Year 6

GLOBAL PROGRAMS AND CAMPS

What started as a relatively positive year, plunged into another major challenge for our Global Programs. However, optimism was high and programs were organised. Little windows of opportunity presented themselves in the first half of the year. The Duke of Edinburgh Program went ahead as scheduled. The one-way exchange with Ascham School in Sydney also went ahead, with the Ascham girls arriving at St Catherine’s. Two trips were scheduled to New Zealand while we still had the border bubble, but alas, this was re-organised three times to no avail. Unfortunately, none of our regular programs were able to proceed in 2021. Despite the obstacles, students remained positive, parents were extremely supportive and teachers went above and beyond with their support.

Ms Lyn Zarifis

Head of Global Pathways

Year 7 weBelong Camp

In March, Year 7 students travelled to Flinders for their Orientation Camp. They were extremely fortunate to have three beautiful days of clear, blue skies and sunshine. The main objective of the ‘weBelong’ Camp is to provide a fun and relaxed environment for the students to develop and consolidate their relationships within the cohort.

A highlight for many students was surfing at Point Leo beach, where many were able to stand up and ride the waves in to shore. Students were also stretched out of their comfort zones through activities such as crate stacking and the giant swing.

Ms Liv Cher Head of Year 7

Year 9 Exchange: Ascham School

“The Exchange was 100% a highlight of my year! Audrey and I still talk a lot, and we FaceTime almost every night. Audrey and I had such a good relationship when she was here, it was almost like she was my sister. We’re both disappointed that I won’t be able to visit Sydney and see what it’s like, but we’re hoping to see each other soon now that the borders are progressively opening. Audrey’s family went through a lot with COVID-19, but we kept connected through it all, and I even found a way to send her family some ice cream.”

Annie Seymour

Year 9

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS

Despite the COVID-19 difficulties, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme ran successfully in 2021. Students from Years 9 to 12 completed their service, skill, and physical components of the Award through a wide range of activities, including an online citizen science, making paper flowers for the elderly, cleaning CFA Fire Trucks and a lot of walking! So far this year 19 students have completed awards with Jessica Yang and Sarah Marriott finishing their Gold Awards. This year we also established the Outdoor Education Club with the aim to better prepare students for the Adventurous Journey component of the Award. Students will be trained and assessed against important skills including cooking, navigation and camp craft. Congratulations to Years 11 and 12 students Caitlyn Le, Mikayla Lee, Madeleine Farrer, Angela Yu, Eloise Rudge and Sarah Marriott who have largely run this Club, arranging equipment, practical work and assessments. A highlight of 2021 was the DOE Award Journeys held over the Easter break. We were able to send two full groups into the High Country, hiking, and the Gippsland Lakes for sea kayaking. Both groups faced several challenges including cold weather, high winds and in the case of the Hiking Group, snow. Both groups performed admirably, completing their journeys successfully. All participants this year have shown a great deal of resilience and persistence in tricky circumstances.

Mr Stephen Brown

Duke of Edinburgh & Leadership Coordinator

Caitlyn Le

Duke of Edinburgh Captain

SENIOR SCHOOL