Emotional intelligence

Dineth Vithanarachchi says Retreat was a once in a lifetime experience. “Focusing on the School’s virtues of gratitude, perseverance, forgiveness, compassion and courage, I began to be more aware of each virtue during the entire experience,” says the Grade 10 student. 

 “I loved the environment in which I could open up about my own thoughts and not be judged.”

The School offers many outstanding opportunities for Grade 10s as part of the Enrichment Weeks Programme. All students participate in all three Enrichment Weeks: one week on Retreat, one in the Futures Programme and one on an Outdoor Education camp, with students selecting from numerous expedition camps with a range of locations and activities as the mode of transport.

Head of Outdoor Education, Jennifer Tait says the Grade 10 Outdoor Education programme focuses predominantly on independence within the context of an outdoor journey-based expedition.

“Our students are required to think for themselves and be responsible for their decisions and actions along the way,” says Jennifer.

“The programme is a culmination of the students’ Outdoor Education learning to this point in their time at Launceston Grammar. “We also expect them to demonstrate altruistic values considering the needs of others and the natural environment.

“Students are required to be independent with planning, packing and preparing meals, and need to be self-sufficient for the week, including managing and maintaining their personal equipment. It is an exceptional opportunity for them to grow and develop as young people.”

For Grade 10 student, Asha Pohan the Gordon River Camp allowed her to be significantly more independent than any other camp before.

“We did all our own menu planning which was a challenge as we had to consider food that did not require refrigeration and with not too much packaging,” says Asha. “We also solved our own problems and learned to work as a team.

“For any future Grade 10 student considering which camp to go on, I recommend the Gordon River one where you can appreciate the river, the trees and the water reflection on a clear day, it is stunning.” Ella McArthur chose the Huon Valley White Water Rafting trip and said the camp helped her appreciate the Tasmanian outdoors and her fellow students.

“The camp brought me closer to people I would not necessarily hang out with at school, and I learnt about their qualities and what they like doing.

“The best way to enjoy camp is to appreciate each day for what it is, take everything in your stride and participate in each activity to get the most out of all that you do.”

As to Futures Week, Careers Advisor, Fiona Symons says the Week has been designed to begin or continue the conversation about each student’s future, post-school.

“The week is designed to address this really important stage of student transition and decision making,” says Fiona.

“Our programme is based on four key themes: work readiness; transitioning to senior secondary year; career exploration; and transitioning to life after school.

I felt like a new person when I came back from Retreat with an idea of who I am and want to be.

Nina Gibson, Grade 10