Outdoor Education 2008

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

2008 Outdoor Education – I Don’t Camp

How good is my job! You decide… Throughout Summer, I got to hang out with the Year 7s at the revitalised Jan Juc headquarters. Snorkelling, surfing and enjoying a hit of Beach Cricket was the order of the day. Then kicking back for an evening barbie to welcome family and friends — many new to the De La community. With the senior Primary boys, I was challenged by a high rope course, enthralled by a giant swing, and later captivated by the Erskine Falls. The competitive Grade 5s treated me to a cup of tea at the end of what’s dubbed “the quest” at Camp Woorabinda. Meanwhile, the 4s made the most of their stay on Phillip Island. The Year 10s were given a smorgasbord of choices for their week away. Some travelled to Kincumber on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. Others preferred to canoe down the Murray. Some were swayed by the opportunity to improve their golfing game at 13th Beach. And seventy-odd took off for a week away skiing and rafting in Queenstown, New Zealand. Our Year 9s re-visited the You Yangs and Jan Juc for a diverse range of Outdoor pursuits, namely snorkelling with marine life, mountain biking and rock climbing (not with marine life, obviously). As we entered Spring, I ventured down to Phillip Island with the Year 8s. I tackled the surf, built a raft, and caught a plethora of fish off the back of a boat. The VCE Outdoor Education class, under the intrepid leadership of the seasoned David Clark, were again offered a full range of challenging and rewarding activities — the Tasmania trip one of the best. In closing it would be remiss of me not to thank the generosity of the teaching staff, particularly those who get the ‘tap on the shoulder’ time and time again. Without them, this subject could not operate. Sincere thanks also to students and parents, and to all who have contributed to the success of the Outdoor Education Program at De La Salle in 2008. Mr David Alexander Outdoor Education Coordinator