Secondary News

T2, Week 7

Year 7 - 9 Camp

It was three days packed full of excitement, laughs, making new friendships, competing against the teachers, having new experiences, facing challenges that we never thought were possible, learning how to pack bags, being patient on long bus rides and meeting new people.

Our bus ride was full of chatter, laughing, singing and music. It was fun filled as the anticipation built for a great time together. 

We were met by the camp leaders who were warm and friendly, and made us feel welcome instantly. The surroundings were beautiful with scenery that looked like a postcard, as we were reminded of a beautiful place that God had created for us to enjoy.

Year 8’s and Year 9’s  participated in Treeline Adventures and the Giant Swing. There were definitely some ‘tough’ young people who soon realised that not all things are easy, and that things that look easy often require determination, persistence and a whole lot of bravery.

Year 7 participated in Spark Sessions focusing on working together and the different gifts we have been given by God to serve each other. We wrestled with how different we are, with different ideas, thoughts, feelings and experiences, yet there is always something we can find in common with each other if we take the time to get to know one another. 

The activities that followed were the Vertical Cluster, Archery, Bubble Soccer, the Giant Swing and Archery. Some of these activities were just plain fun, filled with laughter and good times with our friends. We were amazed, impressed and have the utmost respect for those young people who tackled challenging activities with zest, enthusiasm and a willingness to push through their fears. We heard screaming, cheering, building up of each other and amazement as they conquered big things. 

Year 9 students took a long hike up a mountain, in the pouring rain and cold. There were tears, frustrations, refusal to continue and disbelief in their abilities to proceed. However, what they began to realise was that they were stronger than they thought, more capable than they realised and were better together as they spurred each other on not to give up. We have never been prouder of Year 9 than at this time! 

We would have to say the Thursday night at camp was a highlight for most of us. Year 7 participated in Trivia where there was some healthy competition between the students and the teachers. Year 8 and 9’s danced the night away with a Silent Disco.  We saw some great dance moves and a wide selection of music choices. 

Whilst camp was fun and we had many laughs, it was the time with friends and teachers that we valued the most. It was the time we had to bond, learn about each other, make new friendships with young people in other year groups. It was having the time to stop and reflect on how blessed we are with important people in our lives who love us, take care of us and spur us on. 

Do not be fooled families…most of the young people shared that they missed their parents! Their home, their blankets and their puppy. Some even admitted they missed their ‘annoying’ siblings. There truly is no place like home for all of us.

Student Camp Reflections

Below are some wonderful memories that some of our young people would like to share:

“Camp was honestly one of the BEST experiences I've had all year. I loved spending quality time with my friends and peers, especially while completing exhilarating challenges along the way! However, my absolute FAVOURITE part of camp was the Silent Disco. Partying with my friends was genuinely awesome! Thank you to all teachers involved in making our camp experience unforgettable and thanks Mrs. Neale!”

Isaac

“I had lots of fun at camp this year with my highlight being the Silent Disco. I really liked how we all got along and could scream as loud as we wanted, even if it sounded terrible. I also enjoyed the hike, the rain made it so much better! I am really excited for next year's camp. “

Simran

“A few of my favourite memories from camp this year were: The giant swing, I went to the top, which was really fun and nerve-racking at the same time. I faced one of my biggest fears and I'm glad I did. Treetops, Go Karting, the silent disco and the Spark Sessions were also fun as we spent time together.”

Ally

“One of my favourite memories of camp this year was the Treetops activities. It looked alright from the ground but when you're up there it's a lot taller, however after a while I found it really fun doing all the challenges. Go karts were also one of my favourites and I really liked racing around the track and overtaking people. I also liked cabin time since all we did was eat lollies and talk as well as dinner when we all sat together. I think camp was a great experience of friendship building and overcoming fears. I really enjoyed it and hope to go somewhere like The Tops again.”

Dylan

“I really liked playing Uno with Mrs Neale when on the bus. The vertical cluster and bubble soccer were my favourite because we got to work as a team and had a go at working together. The accommodation was amazing and I would 100% love to go back to the camp site and have another go at working together!”

Micah

“Camp was exciting in many different ways because of the giant swing, the origin and the vertical cluster. It was also good because we got to hang out with our friends outside of the school environment.”

Isaac

“It was the best camp I have ever been on since it was the only camp that I've been on with school. My favourite part of camp was the giant swing, vertical cluster and bubble soccer. I loved archery but not as much as the giant swing.On the first night after dinner we got to play games or watch the State of Origin. On the second night we got to play trivia against the teachers. It was the best camp night ever! The food was amazing. I was thinking we could get the recipes from the camp people and make them for cooking class or home dinners, it was really good food. Thank you for taking us Mrs Neale.”

Mackenzie

Thank you families for entrusting your young people to us over camp. We understand that sometimes this is as scary for you, as it is for them. However, camps make lifelong memories, build character and help create new friendships - things that will last a lifetime.

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Stand Tall

Our Year 10’s, 11’s and 12’s headed off to Sydney to experience a day full of leadership talks, inspirational and motivational messages and an opportunity to connect with other schools.

Here are some thoughts from our Senior learners:

“Stand Tall is a great experience to hear the voices of many people who have experienced amazing things from running across Australia, to just starting a charity. These people share both the negative and positive aspects they had to experience to overcome many problems along the way to become the successful person they are today. You get to experience fun music that gets everyone pumped and even a little concert from Timomatic!”

Gabby

“Stand Tall presented us with an opportunity to hear inspirational speakers talk about unlocking our dreams. They shared how they have overcame their challenges to reach their dream and how they got to their dream. We were motivated to accomplish our dreams and to never give up no matter how hard it gets.”

Nicholas

“Stand Tall was an incredible experience that allowed us to learn about various life stories, both the negative and the positive. We had the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers who shared meaningful experiences from their own lives. Additionally, we enjoyed amazing performances that facilitated socialising and connecting with our local peers. Overall, this event provided a wonderful opportunity to relax and reflect.”

Jimmy

“It was an amazing experience. All the speakers had moving, inspirational stories and each covered a different topic, making it engaging for all in the audience. The vibe was incredible and you could just tell everyone was glad that they were there. It was an emotional roller coaster for sure but I enjoyed every second of it.”

Christi

“Going to Stand Tall is something I look forward to each year, whether it's the trip on the bus, getting lunch, listening to the speakers or jamming out to the music. The speaker I connected with the most was Ornella Byak, as she spoke about her charity helping people in East Timor. The music was great and it was fun to watch the dances on the stage.”

Lucinda

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HSC Study Camp

Come along Stage 6 HSC students and grab onto a great opportunity to stay motivated and study alongside of others.

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Mrs A Neale

Head of Secondary

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Secondary	Key Dates:
Wk 10 3rd July	Wellbeing Wednesday See Whole School News for details
Wk 10 5th July	Rhema Chat Our young people will be on Rhema between 8:00 - 8:30am chatting with the hosts

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