Junior School Report – February 23. 2017

Year 7 Camps

On Monday, February 6, three of our Year 7 classes found themselves out at Log Cabin Camp, Creswick, participating in the first of four camps over two weeks, designed to help the boys get to know each other and provide first hand experience of the traditions of the College.

The facilities at Log Cabin Camp provided ample opportunities for the boys to push themselves out of their comfort zone and take on challenges that they may not otherwise undertake. Activities included the giant swing, flying fox, archery, trampolines, obstacle course, milk crate stacking, initiative course, canoeing and raft building. The Leap of Faith proved a popular activity for the boys and really got hearts racing.

Mr Crowley, Mr Sullivan and members of the Student Congress visited the camps and provided the opportunity for the boys to be introduced to the College Song and War Cry. While the words of the War Cry may still be a bit of a mystery to some of the boys, the enthusiasm they displayed in chanting the War Cry certainly showed they are well on their way to becoming true Paddy Boys.

A highlight of the camps was the involvement of Year 12 students from 2016. It is a credit to these young men that they give up their free time to give back to the St Patrick’s community and assist the next group of Year 7’s as they begin their journey through the College. Wisdom and advice abounded throughout the camps, with one constant message being prevalent; St Pat’s is a place of great opportunity, so take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. We would like to thank Sam McMaster, Riley Murphy, Brayden Ward, Patrick Willis, John Brodie, Carson Dodds, Nathaniel Corboy, Darcy Cargeeg and Daniel Hillman for their generous involvement in the camps.

A big thank you to the dedicated staff who accompanied the classes to our camps; Pastoral Tutors: Mrs Jenny Willis, Mr Jarrod Ryan, Mr Tom Ferguson, Ms Melissa Delaland, Mrs Katrina Bird, Mrs Maria Richards, Mr John Davey, Mr Brett Earl, Mrs Margie Dodd and Mrs Dionne Tually. Teaching Assistants: Mr Neil Henderson, Mr John Finch, Mrs Julie Johns and Mr James Elford. It was great for one of our counsellors, Mr Alex Montgomery to spend time getting to know the boys. He generously came out to each camp and spent the day working through the activities with the boys. A special thank you must also be extended to Ms Janelle Spierings and Mr Chris Gleeson who assisted with overnight supervision when necessary. We would like to acknowledge the wonderful support of our hosts, Grant and Christine Laidlaw and their staff, whose amazing hospitality and support allowed the boys to have such an enjoyable time.

Mr Gerry Willis and Mrs Jacinta Burge

Year 7 Co-ordinators