by Clare Rayner
On Thursday 10th May our middle school outdoor ed group got rugged up and prepared for the expected wet, cold and windy conditions. The students were excellent! They were very well organised and was ready for all conditions.
We were extremely lucky, we walked up and down the 1000 steps before the dark, showery weather started. We saw Lyre birds, cockatoos and a variety of nature proving that we were experiencing a healthy environment. The students continued to face their challenges as we climbed at the tree tops centre in Belgrave. There are a variety of heights and climbs the students could tackle from Green through to the Black lines. All students tried very hard and conquered the majority of obstacles on the black lines.
Great job by all – looking forwards to the next trip; our Cathedrals overnight experience.
The Student Representative Council would like to thank all members of the school community who contributed to Harmony Day during Term 1.
We had a wonderful day celebrating diversity through food, traditional dance, music, games and sport.
We raised a total of $434.00 which has been donated to State Schools Relief.
Peer support has been amazing so far, we really think the year 7 students have been enjoying all the activities we’ve had planned.
We’ve done activities such as:
stress ball making,
capture the flag,
basketball
and board games.
We also went to Phillip island where we all planned an afternoon of fun beach games. We did sandcastle and iron man competitions to start off the afternoon followed by beach cricket, beach volleyball, hole in a bucket and more! It was a great afternoon for us and we hope they enjoyed it as much as we did.
We have also been involved in helping the Grade 5 students on the Discovery days. Lastly, we have spent time working on our own leadership style and developing our skills further.
Term 2 is full of more adventures and we will also complete our Leadership assignment.
We’d also like to thank the leader of Peer Support, Mrs Pezzimenti for doing such a good job not only organising stuff behind the scenes but for helping us when we didn’t know what to do.
From Sarah Cochrane on behalf of the year 10 Peer Support class of 2018
by Michelle Pezzimenti
The Year 10 Peer Support team have had a busy and productive first term.
Students have been involved in a range of activities. These include running an afternoon on the beach at Year 7 camp, assistance on the Discovery Days, and running a range of different sessions during the Year 7 SELF time.
Students have spent time developing their own leadership skills and learnt more about looking after their own wellbeing. We look forward to an exciting term 2!
by Clare Rayner
What an action packed day on the Yarra River – all students made it down the river coping with rapids, rocks and in some cases masses of water ending up in their boats.
Students were extremely helpful and supportive towards each other learning. I certainly feel the majority of student’s demonstrated growth in their ability to control their kayaks and read the movement of the river.
Fantastic work looking forward to our next day in May, 1000Steps and tree tops adventure!
Valleydale Café has undergone a redecoration and is looking fantatstic.
Thanks to the Café culture students for all their decorating ideas and to Mr Waddell for all his assistance with the new menus and 3d printed menu holders.
We are looking forward to Valleydale opening first week back next term.
by Clare Rayner
Well done to our Duke of ed and compass students!
They have made a positive start to the organisation and running of their award. The majority of students have already starting logging their hours in the chosen activities for Physical recreation, Service and Skilled section. We have completed our first after school walk. All students made it along the a section of the Warburton Trail.
A great afternoon was had by all!
by Clare Rayner
The Great VCE Outdoor and Environment Studies Experience
Our students have just return home after completing a mammoth 28 hours camp. All of our senior students embraced this experience combining the theory knowledge with the practical skills and experiences.
After a full day at school we packed and departed for Eildon Dam – we walked the dam, tracked the pathway of the water and cooked our evening meal alongside the wildlife. All students took the initiative; they cooked, cleaned and constantly worked as one group. They were building their individual resilience, but developing a group identity setting up tents and camp after dark with minimal issues. They continued this respect and responsibility into the rock climbing adventure up at a tricky cliff face section of the Cathedrals Ranges National Park. Many students were extremely fearful and cautious to begin with, but yet again they got fully involved, connected with each other and the instructors and achieved many difficult climbs and Abseils.
I could not speak highly enough of our group, many students constantly stepping up with “Gusto” extending their learning and abilities, meeting fears and challenges.
Great job to all – looking forward to our next camp in 3 days hiking the Alpine Trails in May.