On the 12th to the 14th of May, our Year 8 students embarked on a grand adventure, into the bush landscape of the Swan Valley. The Camp provided students with experiences that are not always possible within the confines of the school grounds. Providing opportunities that develop deeper learning, confidence, independence, responsibility, and a sense of belonging. Building behaviours and dispositions for success, many of which begin with the letter ‘C’.

Students participated in a range of well-designed learning activities that Challenged them to think Critically, Creatively and enhance their Communication skills whilst also building their Confidence. They made stronger Connections with each other and staff.

We arrived at Swan Valley and settled into our accommodation. Houses: Boronia, Myrtle, Lavender and Wattle. Made our beds and then gathered to the town hall, where we formed coloured teams and were handed an egg! Each team was responsible for the love and care of their egg, some sadly did not make the journey …

For the next 3 days the teams participated in challenges that required leadership, communication, and courage. Tested their stamina navigating through the commando course, crawling through tunnels, mud, rolling tyres and climbing over obstacles. They tested their nerves with heights flying through the air on a flying fox. Building a tower of crates with the challenge of not falling off! During the nights, we sat by the fire, devoured too many marshmallows, tested our knowledge in the Quiz and danced to the latest tunes by the international renown quest DJ artist DJ Steel (Mr Steve O’Neil).

This camp would not have happened without the help of some very special teachers, who gave up their own personal time to help with organisation and running of the camp.  A big THANK YOU to the following behind the scenes and front-line staff:

• Ms Alisha Holliday: (Ms Holliday could not attend the camp but she was one of the first to offer her time (even though she is already so busy!) to help with the administration of the camp.
• Mr Brent Jarvis Spinks - total legend - administration help, even when you were already so busy.
• Mrs Belinda Noakes - Our medical Officer - staying overnight, assisting with all kinds of medical situations and being non-stop on the go!
• Mrs Joanne Savoury - Our School Nurse - helping compile charts and files, creating our first aid kit!
• Mrs Anna Dyer - endless hours of sewing our coloured team head bands.
• Mrs Grae Hastings - give that woman cheesels when you see her! Can’t thank you enough for behind-the-scenes admin help and all that you did on camp!
• Mr Steve O’Neil DJ Steel! - ongoing camp help from day one, staying the nights and running the coolest disco ever. A big cheer for Mr O’Neil who also attended school during the day, then straight to camp in the afternoon and evenings!
• Mr Lazo Njegich - for all your help, attending camp both during the day and night and all your help running the camp!
• Ms Heather Currie - constant support, constant help, camp documents, admin, organisation and being on call 24/7
• Mr Phil Leeman our Chaplain - running our games session, admin support, staying overnight and being awesome all-round cool guy.
• Mr Ogi - providing our sports gear - Cricket game was awesome! You would have been proud of our skills!
• All your form teachers: Ms Heather Ferreri, Mr Simon Macdonald, Ms Ashleigh Howat, Mr Jarrad Timu, Mrs Hanna Sanders, Mrs Grae Hastings, who chose to be with you, rather than home with their family. Remember this was all volunteered - thank them when you see them!
• Ms Kerry Clarke - thank you for your support and coming out to say hi to our Year 8s
• Mr Mario Pisano our Deputy, answering all my questions and ongoing support and encouragement and for coming out and encouraging the students!
• Mr Carlos Notarpietro - administration support and guidance.
• Sharon Lyon - ongoing encouraging support and coming out and spending the afternoon, cheering the students on!
• The front office ladies! You are amazing - thank you for your help and patience.

As you can see, it is a whole school approach. This camp was brought to you by the letter C “Community”.  It was a community of dedicated, passionate teachers that made this camp happen. Thank you!

And finally, thank you to our students - your enthusiasm, manners, and friendship towards each other made me the proudest Year Coordinator in the school!

Ms Jodie Grieve
Year 8 Coordinator