WEST COAST GOLF TOUR CAMP 2025
SENIOR HOMESTEAD
SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP
3-7 MARCH 2025
WEST COAST GOLF
February 2025
Dear Student and Parents/Guardians,
The Senior Homestead West Coast Golf Tour Camp will take place from Monday 3 March to Friday 7 March 2025.
The West Coast Golf Tour will embrace the many varied golfing opportunities that exist a short ferry ride across Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula. We will be staying at the Ocean Grove Holiday Park with students and staff staying in cabins. Each day we will play golf at one of the great venues on the Bellarine Peninsula, before returning to Mornington Golf Club for an Ambrose event, which we hope some parents or grandparents may be able to team up and join us. Students will be given lessons from a professional golfer on day one and build skills as the week progresses. Normal school rules will apply throughout the week and appropriate dress is expected.
Parents/Guardians, please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date.
Please ensure that you carefully read through the information provided in this booklet. If there are any questions you may have, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to a fun and rewarding week.
Yours sincerely,
Ms Vaishali Kentish West Coast Golf Tour Camp Coordinator
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Our camp is being held on the lands of the Wadawurrung people and we wish to acknowledge them as Traditional Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We are grateful to be visiting their land and we recognise their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this land.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS WITHDRAWING FROM SENIOR HOMESTEAD CAMP/ABSENTEE CHARGEBACK POST CAMP
Homestead Week Camp is a compulsory part of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. Bookings and arrangements are made on this expectation.
In the event that a student withdraws from the camp due to medical reasons, the school requires prior written notice accompanied by a valid medical certificate. In such cases, families will be responsible for all non-refundable costs incurred, including but not limited to flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid expenses.
For cancellations due to a change of mind or any non-medical reasons, families will be charged the full camp fee.
SUNSMART POLICY
In keeping with the school’s “SunSmart” approach to outdoor activities, students are required to bring sunscreen, a protective hat (with a wide brim) and to wear tops which adequately cover the skin of the shoulders and back. In the event of swimming activities, students will need “rashies” or t-shirts. Sunscreen is an additional protection - it does not take the place of clothing or shade.
NUT POLICY
On Camp, we request that parents/students avoid bringing food products that contain nuts of any kind. In order to minimise the risk to students with severe allergies.
The school cannot guarantee that the camp environment will be 100% allergen free, hence students with allergies need to remain vigilant in their decisions around any food that they ingest.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CONTACT
In the event of an emergency, or if you need to urgently contact your child, please do not ring the camp (or your child) directly but rather contact the school during office hours on (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022.
RESPOND TO OPEROO E-FORM
To enable staff to fulfil their duty of care to students, we need accurate and up-to-date information about medical and personal issues for all students. Please respond to the Operoo eForm and ensure that your child’s medical information is up to date. Any last-minute changes should be communicated directly to the leader of the camp as well as updated on Operoo. We do rely on this information, and parents do have a duty of disclosure, to ensure all relevant information is known.
INFORMATION COLLECTION POLICY
Confidential medical and other sensitive information collected and used for the running of these camps will be handled in line with the School’s Privacy Policy.
POLICY RELATING TO STUDENTS SENT HOME FROM CAMP
Where a student does need to be sent home, for medical, personal, or discipline reasons, they will need to be collected from the camp by their parent/guardian (at your own expense) - they cannot travel unaccompanied. In all cases, arrangements must be made with school and special arrangements may need to be in place for remote camps, ie. 3 or more hours from school.
EXTREME WEATHER POLICY
We will modify our program based on weather forecasts - we will be in contact with Woodleigh School to review the week’s weather as it unfolds. In the event of a day being forecast to be Extreme (under the CFA Fire Danger Rating system) the program will be modified at the least, to ensure safety in the heat, and evacuation plans in readiness. In the event of a day being forecast to be Code Red (Catastrophic), the program will be cancelled in advance and students evacuated the day before. The School will use SMS and email to communicate with parents in such cases.
FIRE SEASON SAFETY
Please be aware with the unpredictability of weather patterns within Australia, this camp will be held during fire season times. In the case of a dry season, it is important that students should:
• Plan at least one non-cook meal for an event of a Total Fire Ban day/s.
• Bring fire ready clothes (longs made of natural fibres).
WEST COAST GOLF TOUR
CAMP INFORMATION
CAMP DATES
Monday 3 March - Friday 7 March 2025.
MEDICATION ON CAMP
Any students taking medication on camp will need to provide all medication (in original packaging) to school by no later than Tuesday 18 February 2025. You can drop off the medication to reception anytime between 8am-4.30pm. Before handing in your child's medication, you are required to answer all the questions within the Operoo e-Form.
COST
The cost of this Senior Homestead Camp is approximately $1,045, which will be charged to student accounts. The cost includes all accommodation, transport, activities, green fees, buggy hire and most meals. Students will need to bring money should they wish to purchase lunch on Monday and any snacks you would like to purchase during the week.
TRANSPORT
We will be travelling in a Rosa bus driven by a Woodleigh staff member and travel by Ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff.
Departure: Students to meet at Centenary Park Golf Course (McClelland Drive, Frankston) at 8.30am, on Monday 3 March, meeting at the carpark to load gear and head to our lesson at 9.00am.
Return: Students will need to be collected from Mornington Golf Club (Tallis Drive, Mornington) at 4.30pm on Friday 7 March, although we hope some parents will be able to join us for presentations and food from approximately 3.00pm.
LOCATION
Bellarine Peninsula, Ocean Grove, Queenscliff, Barwon Heads and Waurn Ponds.
ACCOMMODATION
Ocean Grove Holiday Park, 90 Wallington Road, Ocean Grove.
MEALS
Students will shop and organise breakfast each day in the shared outside BBQ area, however if you prefer your own breakfast food please bring enough to last for the week. Lunch will be in Sorrento on Monday (BYO or purchase your own), Tuesday will be a catered lunch of rolls, Wednesday a delicious lunch at the Ocean Grove GC, Thursday we will have award winning pies from the local bakery in Queenscliff and Friday there will be a bagged lunch to collect halfway round your game at Mornington GC. Dinner will be supplied each evening.
ACTIVITIES
Each day will be golf based, playing a combination of short courses, mini golf, driving range and 18 holes with a lunch break.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT
Clothing
As well as your day to day clothes, the following are essential:
• Collared Polo shirt.
• Tailored Shorts (Not board shorts or sports/running/football shorts).
• Jumper (No Hoodies on the Golf Course).
• Golf Shoes or a good pair of runners.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Cap.
• Warm socks/Sports socks.
• Towel and Personal Toiletries.
Note: All bedding and pillows are supplied.
Equipment
• An appropriate set of golf clubs (Driver, fairway or hybrid, irons, sand iron and putter) ideally in a lightweight bag as carrying your bag is the preferred option. If you are a beginner golfer there is no need for a full set of 14 clubs, please speak to Ms Kentish about this prior to camp.
• Golf Glove (Glove on Left hand for Right-Handed Players).
• Drink Bottle.
• Umbrella (Large, to be stored in your golf bag).
• Personal first-aid kit with Band-Aids, elastic bandage, sunscreen, lip-balm and insect repellent. You will be provided with a small number of tees, pencil and pitch repairer.
If you do not have a set of clubs, please try to source a set to borrow from a relative or friend. If that is an issue please speak to Ms Kentish as there will be an option to hire a small number of half sets (additional costs will be involved for damaged or lost equipment).
DO NOT BRING
Valuables, cameras or any articles that you don't want to lose or break, an excessive amount of money, lollies, electronic/digital devices, laptops or iPads.
MOBILE PHONES
A reminder that the Woodleigh School Mobile Phone Policy will be in effect throughout the week.
Students will be required to bring their mobile phones on this camp as a safety measure in order to be able to contact staff during the day. However, phones will be turned off and put away in the evenings to encourage group interaction. Mobile phones are ONLY to be used for contacting staff/other students on THIS camp. MOBILE PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF WHILST PLAYING GOLF. All care will be taken, however no responsibility will be accepted for confiscated phones.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
If you are going to be late for any scheduled meeting/tee time you should:
• Ring one of the accompanying staff on TEAMS.
• If you cannot contact any of the staff, please ring school (during school hours): (03) 5971 6100 or contact after hours on mobile 0482 888 022.
RISK
There are elements of risk involved in this golf camp, and while safety ratios and requirements will be adhered to, we believe it is important to make you aware of potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:
• Injuries from golf equipment, such as being struck by golf clubs, balls, or carts.
• Strains or soft tissue injuries from repetitive movements or improper technique.
• Slips, trips, or falls on uneven terrain, especially in wet or muddy conditions.
• Sunburn, dehydration, or heat exhaustion due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Allergic reactions or insect bites while outdoors.
• Complications arising from a pre-existing medical condition.
To mitigate these risks, we will:
• Require students to bring appropriate clothing and safety gear, including hats, sunscreen, and proper footwear (a list will be provided).
• Provide qualified golf instructors to supervise all activities, ensuring safe practices and proper technique.
• Verify the Working With Children Check (WWCC) status of all instructors and staff.
• Monitor weather conditions daily, with flexibility to adjust outdoor activities as necessary for safety.
• Conduct regular safety briefings on equipment use, swing zones, and general golf course etiquette.
• Ensure access to shaded areas, water breaks, and reminders for sun protection and hydration throughout the day.
• Check student medical records prior to the camp and ask parents to update health information on Operoo. Parents will be contacted prior to camp if there are any questions or concerns.
BEHAVIOURAL EXPECTATIONS
• As a Senior Student at Woodleigh School participating in the Homestead Camps Program, there is a high level of responsibility and expectation with respect to behaviour. All normal school policies apply, in particular:
• Involvement with sex, drugs, smoking, vaping or alcohol is prohibited.
• A preparedness to participate wherever appropriate.
• Safety of all participants is paramount.
Infringement of these policies may result in the student being sent home, at your own expense.
• Meeting/Tee times must be strictly observed. (Students must be at their designated Tee at least 10 minutes before their Tee time).
• It is courteous to be attentive and show interest at each of the clinics given by the professionals, even if you are familiar with the skills being taught.
• During the golf activities, the etiquette expected of the students is that which normally apply on a golf course, e.g. no swearing and loud shouting (other than fore), no club-throwing, ensure divots are replaced, rake bunkers and care for the course by carrying sand and filling divots and repairing pitch marks, etc.
• It is courteous to be respectful and positive at all events, even those you personally find less interesting. A good night’s sleep will be essential - being tired will not only affect your game but also others on camp.
• During unsupervised times you must be in groups of at least 3 and have your mobile phone turned on.
• Students must bring clothes that are suitable for the golf course and also for our evening meals.
• Shorts, singlets, skimpy tops and thongs are not appropriate. Students need to wear clothes in keeping with the School’s appropriate dress and appearance guidelines and be SunSmart.
• Adherence to meeting times is very important.
• Never leave the campsite/venue without the permission of a staff member.
• Each student is responsible for the immediate environment and must keep it tidy and not damage any of the surroundings.
• No-one is to enter anyone else's bedroom before breakfast or after dark. You will only enter someone else's bedroom if the people in that group are there, invite you in and you have obtained permission from a staff member.
Students will be rostered into groups to help with organisation which will include such things as setting out breakfast, lunch and washing up. There are also room and cleaning duties which will be performed every day during the camp along with maintaining individual equipment. Students will have some free time to rest, read and socialise in designated areas. We encourage every student to bring a board game or cards etc. to play with their peers during these down times.
Students are not permitted to enter the cabins of other students. The sleeping areas only for sleeping, dressing and showering. The days will be long and tiring and therefore some students may wish to go to sleep earlier, we are living in a close group with peers and staff. Respecting each other’s privacy and being quite in the sleeping areas is of the utmost importance.
The School’s policy governing what students may see, the Policy on Appropriate Material for Public Performances does affect the camp in that M-rated material may not be shown to students under 15 years of age without prior parental consent. From our experience many of the DVDs at any accommodation are ones that secondary students can view without being exposed to inappropriate material. Staff will endeavour to minimise this impact by regularly checking and supervising students at the accommodation.
As part of the camp, there will be a movie night scheduled during the week. The movie for that night has not been selected yet. The film could be rated M or PG. However, should you have reservations about allowing your child to view an M rated movie there will be alternate provisions made.
Woodleigh
UNSUPERVISED TIMES
There will be some unsupervised or limited supervision times both in Queenscliff and in Ocean Grove, boundaries and expectations will be shared and strictly enforced. When at the Caravan Park students can access the Air Pillow, Tennis Court, Basketball Court and Games Room, but should not enter the pool area under any circumstances.
WEST COAST GOLF TOUR PROGRAM
DAY Program
Monday
• Meet at Centenary Park GC 8.30am
• Introductory Golf Lessons covering putting, chipping, and full swing at Centenary Park Golf Club (9am – 11am)
• Lunch in Sorrento (BYO or money to purchase)
• Ferry to Queenscliff
• Golf at Barwon Heads GC (9 hole course. 2.30pm - 4.30pm)
• Check In to Accommodation at Ocean Grove Caravan Park
• Supermarket Shopping for Breakfast Supplies
• Pizza Dinner in Ocean Grove.
• Breakfast Supplied
Tuesday
Wednesday
• Golf at Queenscliff Golf Club (9 holes ambrose teams, lunch provided, 9 holes individual)
• Fish and Chips in Ocean Grove.
• Breakfast Supplied
• Golf at Barwon Heads GC (9 hole course. 9am-11.30am)
• Lunch at Ocean Grove GC
• Golf at Ocean Grove (9 holes ambrose teams 1.00pm-3.30pm)
• Dinner at Groove Train (6pm-6.45pm)
• Movie at Reading Cinemas Waurn Ponds (6.45pm-8.30pm).
• Breakfast Supplied
• Golf at Mulligans Short Course Lonsdale Links (9.00am-11.00am)
• Award winning pies and cake Lunch in Queenscliff
Thursday
Friday
• Mini-Golf Championship (36 holes)
• Range at Curlewis (Burger and Balls 6.30pm-8.15pm)
• Pack Up and Clean Up Rooms.
• Breakfast Supplied (6am)
• 8am Ferry to Sorrento
• Arrive Mornington GC at 10.00am for Ambrose Tournament
• Grab bagged lunch halfway
• Presentation and Finger Food 3.30pm - 4.30pm
• Pick Up from 4.30pm.
Note: All times may be subject to change.
MY CAMP CHECKLIST
Things to purchase / Things to take
