Secondary School News
With the last two weeks filled with activities both on and off campus, it feels as though we are basically back to what can be considered as close to ‘normal’ as a school. Despite the wearing of masks and the inability to have large group assemblies or gatherings, we have been fortunate enough to be able to run practically everything that we would normally run at the beginning of the year.
Our Year 7s returned from their Week 2 camp at Shoreham having completed the most amazing week of activities and adventures. Their camp combined cabin-based accommodation with two nights camping out as we endeavour to develop their outdoor educational skills during their middle years. They engaged in activities like snorkelling, surfing, hiking and bike riding, whilst also developing stronger connections and relationships with fellow students, Year 11 Outdoor Education Leaders and staff. It was a wonderful week that helps to provide them with a great stepping stone into Year 7 and their secondary school journey.
Our Senior College students all participated in their camp/conferences over three days last week with each program designed specifically for that year level. Our Year 10s are in a city based program where they experience the culture of Melbourne including city streets and laneways, history of our city and state, an evening at the theatre where this year they were treated to the spectacular show Moulin Rouge. It is a great opportunity for them to develop their independence in terms of navigation and transport around our capital city, engage in some fun activities as well such as go-karting at Auscarts in Port Melbourne, whilst also participating in self-development sessions that were run by an organisation by the name of Toolbox Education. This program was designed to help provide them with the tools to better deal with issues around stress, anxiety and the pressures of both school and life as a teenager.
Our Year 11 camp is at Phillip Island and provides a great blend of fun and engaging activities for the students, combined with age and stage appropriate programs such as restorative practice sessions and a presentation by Beau Vernon. Beau is a former AFL footballer who at the height of his career suffered an unfortunate on-field tackle, leaving him without function of his fingers or with any movement from the chest down. He talked about resilience of individuals, whilst also making the most of every opportunity. One of the main aims of the camp is to help bring together the students to support and prepare them for their journey over their two years of VCE.
Our Year 12 program is a conference rather than a camp and is based at the Monash University Conference Centre in the city on the Monday and Tuesday. These two days see our students engaged in sessions focussing on “surviving and thriving in Year 12”, the importance of taking good care of themselves and also looking at life after secondary school including university, TAFE and the workforce. On the third day they returned to campus to participate in sessions focussing on ‘Fit to Drive’ where representatives from the Victorian Police and Vic Roads discuss important aspects and dangers associated with getting their licence. In the evening we heard from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg who presented his ‘Surviving Year 12′ session to parents and students, providing many practical and sage tips that all students and families could look to implement in their daily routines. He focussed on critical areas such as developing good routines, eating and drinking appropriately (not skipping breakfast), and ensuring that they are getting the appropriate amount of sleep. Another key factor was the importance of strengthening connections with both peers and teachers to support their study routines throughout the year.
A reminder to parents and friends that our upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors” is getting ever so close with tickets going on sale later this week. The performance nights are from Wednesday 23 March to Saturday 26 March and it promises to be a fantastic show. Keep an eye on your emails for notification of when tickets go on sale.
