As always, the traditional Year 13 Camp was warmly hosted by Knox College between the 1st - 2nd of February.

It was a great time for friends and peers to come together after the long summer holidays before school officially began for the year.

We were warmly welcomed by the current house master Graham Redding, as well as the Residence Assistant Alec, who then gave us a tour of the traditional college. We learnt about the different practices the college has, some of which include a Harry Potter themed dinner party each year, as well as the idea that during dinner time each table is filled before people begin sitting at a new one. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the dinner party, but the second practice was certainly followed.

Monday night was filled with life skills from Mrs Duthie, with the highlight being the psychological game we played which was particularly entertaining. We were also very lucky to have Mr Ian McGilchrist from the University of Otago giving us useful advice on scholarships for entering University. The morning followed with valuable sessions, which included the cohort discussing this year's theme of ‘courage’ and how we could best face the challenges this year may bring us. And of course, no Columba Camp would ever be complete without a some team-bonding exercises.

All of the girls were extremely grateful for the camp and the hospitality provided by Knox College, as well as Mrs Duthie, Mrs Piebenga, Dr Mcleod and Mrs Sinclair for organising a very wonderful start to the year for everyone involved.