Camp

Sailing Camp

On Monday 29 April twelve Year 10 students set off for three days with Mr Blattman and Miss O’Reilly to Sailing Camp in Geelong. With the aim to conquer the high seas and develop the skills to sail around the world solo, spirits were high!

Students sailed the waters surrounding the Geelong pier, learning the sailing lingo and the ins-and-outs of how to control a small boat relying on only the wind and sails. Initially, ropes and tempers went flying but by the third day things seemed to have settled and experience kicked in. We were thankful for the guidance given by our instructors, Dave, Doug and Lincoln from the Victorian Sailing School. Without their advice some groups may have suffered the same fate as the Titanic.

Whilst drifting through the waters of the deep blue we stumbled upon a pair of lost prescription glasses and a vacuum cleaner attachment. It was a timely reminder for us all to be conscious of rubbish disposal.

To support the new-found sailor growth, teachers offered students a Pop-Eye inspired breakfast with kilograms of spinach. Surprisingly, that style was not popular and eggs on toast with avocado was the preferred choice.

Students were also challenged to a Master Chef style cook-off in the evening with two groups competing for the title. Groups had to plan a two-course meal, shop at the local Coles for ingredients, and then prepare and cook their dishes for fourteen people. Adding fuel to the competition fire was the wager that upon our return the losing team had to clean the school bus.

Monday evening, we were served freshly crumbed fish, Greek salad and chocolate brownies. Tuesday’s group dished up chicken Caesar salad and homemade crepes. Stakes were high. Mr Blattman and Miss O’Reilly had a difficult time judging. On the final night, to commemorate the efforts of our MasterChef competition, the group battled through a round of Laser Tag at the local Time Zone.

Overall, we learnt a lot about the ocean and sailing and were extremely happy and thankful for the sunny and warm weather whilst on the boats.

Ms Laura O’Reilly

Head of Health and Physical Education

Music Camp

On Tuesday April 23 an intrepid group of musical explorers embarked on an epic journey of melodic and rhythmic adventure. This was the first day of Term 2, and after packing the bus full to the brim with our instruments 47 of our instrumental students made the journey to the Don Bosco camp in Dromana for an immersive Music Camp.

The newly renovated Don Bosco facilities feature wide-open rehearsal spaces, so we were able to assemble our gear and get cracking, rehearsing new material to be performed at both our annual Spring Concert and throughout the year.

Students from Years 7—10 enjoyed taking part in the choirs, concert band, guitar ensemble, keyboard ensemble and our combined massed item. A highlight of day one was our birthday celebration for Ms Sifris, who was surprised with a cake, balloons and some very enthusiastic singing from all staff and students. The afternoon featured more rehearsals for our various groups as they worked their way through their 2019 repertoire. Following a big day of rehearsals we enjoyed a talent show, a movie night, and the great food provided by the camp. Then it was off to our cabins for a comfortable night’s sleep before our breakfast and combined massed item rehearsal the next morning. All 47 students came together to run through ‘The Rhythm of Life,’ a big stage number featuring vocals from both choirs and beautiful instrumentation arranged by this group of formidably talented students.

Throughout the camp, there were raffle tickets and prizes for various things such as good behaviour and hard work during rehearsals. On our final day, students enjoyed the spoils of their success, winning lollies in the raffle.

Students returned home, reflecting in the bus on what a great time had been had at Music Camp. After two days of hard work and fun, the bulk of our work was done in preparation for our Spring concert in Term 3. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ms Rachel Sifris and Mr Aiden Prewett

Music teachers

Year 8 Camp

On Wednesday 8 May students arrived at The Summit school camp in Trafalgar.

The weather may not have been the best but that did not stop everyone beginning the camp by playing a game to find a tribe name. Unicorns, Bhardwaj in PJ’s, Yung Family Friendly and the Chicken Nuggets were the tribe names chosen.

Throughout the camp students had the opportunity to tackle new and challenging experiences:

They confronted their fears of both snakes and nails by handling the pet pythons and then walking across a bed of nails! The questions asked by our students showed their interest in the well-being of snakes.
The cave activity provided an underground challenge: students went into pure darkness and the unknown.
Rock Wall was the first of the challenge-by-choice activities, with the students selecting both wall and how high to climb.
Bush challenge was the first of the tribe challenges. The entire tribe worked together to complete the course. The results of this challenge were:
- Yung Family Friendly 37.48 minutes
- Chicken Nuggets 31.23 minutes
- Unicorns 29.41 minutes
- Bhardwaj in PJ’s 26.16 minutes, the winners.
Abseil, the highest activity, provided great views as the reward for those with a fear of heights.
Tash’s ladder had participants leaning forward to give everyone a wave on a ladder fifteen metres in the air.
Using inflatables, students played a giant game of foosball.
Scavenger hunt was the next of the whole tribe challenges. The results of this challenge were:
- Chicken Nuggets 390 points
- Yung Family Friendly 460 points
- Unicorns 540 points
- Bhardwaj in PJ’s 580 points, the winners.
Monster run obstacle course was wet, muddy and a whole lot of fun and laughs. When the second lap was announced this was the time to really dig deep and prove how much more you could improve. The results were impressive.
- Bhardwaj improved by 51 seconds
- Yung Family Friendly improved by 5.55 minutes
- Chicken Nuggets improved by 7.51 minutes but not enough to beat
- Unicorns who improved by 12.12 minutes

Well done everyone for digging deep and pushing the comfort zone.

Values winners were voted as the person who lived by the five keys to camp. They were voted by their tribe members and rewarded with a ride in the army tank.

Well done to the values winners: Rory Brady, Nikitas Kypriotis, Angeline Piacentino, Luke Marlow and Yang Peng.

Thank you to our students and staff who gave their best to overcome their fears and participate in all aspects of the camp.