Cadet Report

Sarah Byron

We have had a fantastic start to the Cadet program in Term 1 with the completion of the overnight Biv for recruits and many informative lessons presented by our amazing team of senior cadets on a Friday.

The senior cadets have had the pleasure of being able to enjoy cadets on a Tuesday as well, with activities such as Leadership camp in Halls Gap, obstacle course, survival swimming, camouflage and concealment around the school without being spotted, Navex and first aid. These cadets are building on their skills to ensure that they can pass their enthusiasm and skills to the Yr 8 recruits.

I look forward to Term 2 where we start the Term with ANZAC Day marches, followed closely behind by the Annual Cadet camp.

ANZAC DAY CEREMONIES

As ANZAC day falls on the Monday, just prior to our return to school, I would like to thank the cadets who have volunteered for the ANZAC ceremonies in Hamilton and Coleraine. More information will be emailed out over the holidays to both volunteer cadets and their parents.

ANNUAL CADET CAMP

The annual Cadet camp is held in Week 2. On the first Friday of Week 1, we will be taking the Advance party (10 volunteer cadets) to head out to the campsite, start setting up, prior to the arrival of the whole unit.

We have had many questions about camp and the expectations of cadets, we appreciate your support in contacting us to ensure that your child feels comfortable in heading out next term. The weather is looking mild with cold mornings, so I do suggest that you ensure your child has warm clothing for overnight and the early mornings.

Things to remember:

Confirm with your child whether you will be coming to the Cadet Mass on the Wednesday night and bringing tea to share with them. We will need confirmation from your child on Monday at camp for catering purposes.
Your child’s clothing is placed in plastic bags in their gear bag so that it stays dry
Any medication (enough for the week) is in a ziplock bag with original pharmacy label and clearly labelled with their name.
On first day, cadets are to supply their own food and drinks, tea will be supplied. No food with any traces of nuts or nut products is allowed.
TWO full bottles of water in their webbing or backpack, before departure from school

Abseiling Thursday

A small group of cadets will have the opportunity to head to the Grampians and participate in an Abseiling activity. These cadets will be nominated by their leaders over the first few days of camp. A note and permission form will be forwarded to parents on Wednesday via PAM. Our numbers will be limited for this activity however there will be more opportunities for abseiling later in the year.

Wednesday night mass

The Annual Cadet bush liturgy is held on Wednesday night at 6.30pm. Parents and immediate family members only of cadets are cordially invited to attend the liturgy and afterwards, share dinner with your child. Dinner is after Mass so please consider what you are bringing out and how it will be kept warm until after the Mass?

Parents are welcome to visit the camp site after mass, please bring a torch for use on the walk up. However, we ask that parents and families members have left the campsite by 9.00pm.

The liturgy is held close to the entry of the camp. Car parking signs will be clearly visible near the site of the liturgy at the entrance gate. We would ask that you follow the signs and any directions given to you by the car park attendants during the evening. NO vehicles are to be driven up to the camp area.

DIRECTIONS TO CADET CAMP. (McCutcheon’s Road, Victoria Point)

Head East (towards Dunkeld!) on Ballarat road.

Turn left at ROBSONS Rd. (Third road on the left after RMIT)
Turn Right at crossroads onto Strathkellar Rd, heading towards Dunkeld
Turn Left onto the Victoria Point Road
Travel about 18km, over the Cavendish-Dunkeld Rd crossroads
Directly after the bridge, turn Left on McCutcheon’s Road.
Travel along McCutcheon’s Road about 1.1 kilometres.
1. The entrance to the camp is on the right. The Monivae banner will be on the fence next to the gate. Please close the gate after you.
Whilst driving your vehicle within the camp site, turn on your headlights on and stay on the tracks.

The camp is about 35 km from Monivae. Travelling time – about 30/35 minutes

A reminder the following items are band on cadet camp:

Mobile phones/ Radios/iPods/iPads/Computers
Cigarettes/vapes/alcohol
No pocket or bush knives are allowed on camp (Platoon commanders and SGT’s excepted)
No spray deodorants – roll on only.
No make-up or jewellery – Earrings and watch are ok as per the School jewellery policy

Please do not hesitate to contact the OC of the unit, MAJ Phil O’Keefe should you have any queries. pokeefe@monivae.vic.edu.au or phone 0428 343 241

CAPT Sarah Byron

2IC, MCACU