Middle School Report – November 23, 2017

Our final camp experience saw the largest undertaking engaged by the College as we successfully transported, housed, fed and offered a myriad of outdoor experiences for the entire Year 9 Cohort for three days in the magnificent surroundings of Hall’s Gap and the Grampians. This is the only camp experience in which the whole year level is all present at the one time and in the same place. Here the boys were able to participate in a number of challenging experiences including hiking, rock climbing, abseiling and conservation work. These experiences encouraged all of our boys to develop an appreciation and respect for the natural environment, increased their understanding of team work and resilience and ultimately continued to develop their leadership skills. Here is what some of our boys had to say as they reflected on their camp experience:

Did you find the camp challenging?

• – Yes, I felt the hike was challenging, being in the major Mitchell, my legs and feet got very sore, but I pushed through and completed it alongside my mates.

• – Yes, as the activities pushed you out of your comfort zone.

• – I mainly found the camp challenging through the hike, which was a mental and physical challenge.

• – Yes, because I did some activities that I had not done before like rock-climbing and abseiling.

• – I found it challenging but very rewarding as I had a big fear of heights but conquered and did abseiling and all rock climbing

Overall, how would you assess the camp in terms of

Strengths/Opportunities/Challenges?

• – Offering many types of hikes

• – Rock climbing and abseiling was pretty exhilarating

• – Things never done before, liked the hike, was challenging. Delicious food as well

• – Fun to just be outdoors with our- mates and teachers

• – Great fitness opportunity through the different hike options

• – Great opportunity to show leadership and independence

• – Pushing through when the hikes got tough and our feet got sore, but the sense of achievement at the end made it worth it

Finally, please note the End Of Year Examination Timetable as we begin to get into our final weeks of Year 9 in 2017. The Year 9 Examination period starts on Monday December 4 until Thursday December 7 which will be the final day in Year 9 for your son. This day will conclude with our Middle School Awards and Year 9 Graduation Ceremony starting at 2.10pm in the Pavilion. The 2017 Semester Two Examination Timetable can be viewed by clicking on this link

As always, I hope that all of our boys achieve the success they are busily working towards throughout this last term in the Middle School.

Michael Busscher

Director of Middle School