New challenges bring new skills

JEREMY EDWARDS, YEAR 7 COORDINATOR

Our recent Year 7 Camp was more than just a trip away – it was an experience for our students, one that provided them an opportunity to develop new friendships, embrace challenges, and develop essential interpersonal skills with one another.

Set against the backdrop of gorgeous Marysville, the Year 7 Camp was met with a mixture of excitement, nerves, and anticipation.

Away from the familiar surroundings of home and the classroom, students had to embrace how to interact with their peers and teachers in a different setting. They also needed to learn how to work collaboratively to complete activities and co-exist with others in tents and cabins.

The positive connections and relationships that were formed were some of the biggest highlights of the trip.

Through team-building activities and shared experiences, bonds were created that we trust will last throughout their schooling journey and beyond. Students learned the value of teamwork, cooperation, and empathy: skills that are crucial for building strong relationships both in and out of school.

We also enjoyed activities such as high-ropes courses, canoeing, bike riding, bush skills, pizza-making, and more!

These activities encouraged students to step outside their comfort zones, to try new things, and to help discover new interests and talents, fostering exploration, teamwork, and curiosity.

When I speak to students about their Year 7 Camp experience, a series of patterns emerge: connections and a sense of belonging.

Many students reported that they developed new friendships, met new people, and walked away feeling a greater sense of belonging and connection to the school and their friendship groups.

With such an experience, there will always be some anxiety and discomfort around meeting new people and living alongside them, however, I trust that Year 7 Camp provided a wonderful opportunity to develop perseverance and resilience.

I am beyond proud of students for completing the full week; both sleeping out in tents, being in cabins with others, and being surrounded by old and new friends alike.

Throughout the various challenges they faced, whether it was conquering a fear of heights, navigating the bike ride, or meeting new people, students learned to push through and never give up.

These valuable lessons in resilience will serve them well as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond.

As we reflect on Year 7 Camp, it is clear that this year will be a journey of growth and self-discovery and I hope that the camp has enlightened students and given them newfound confidence to navigate learning about themselves and other people.

We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved already, and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.

My many thanks to the wonderful Year 7 teachers and staff who helped support and care for the students across the week, and to Hannah Woods (MS teacher and Camp Coordinator) for her organisation and overseeing of the camp.

We look forward to hearing more stories shared across the year, and to continue supporting our young people to further develop strong relationships with each other, and make new connections throughout Year 7.

It was a good experience because we got to meet new friends when we were put in different groups. We got pushed outside our comfort zone, and we enjoyed being part of this experience. We made heaps of fun memories and it was fun hanging out with new friends and learning about what schools they’ve come from, and learning about them. I also loved learning new skills.

- Mack, 7D

It was very enjoyable and I made new friendships. The canoeing was lots of fun, and camping out was fun; I had never been camping out before! The bike ride was challenging, but the end part was smooth. Overall, it was a 10/10!

- Annie, 7A