Team challenges, bivvy building and rafting were just some of the highlights of the Year 9 Camps, which ran over the week.

All the Year 9 students embraced the opportunity to work with each other as they developed their cooperative and outdoor skills while staying at Tirohanga Camp in Mosgiel.

Throughout the week, two form classes came out to the camp each day to stay overnight. One day of camp was spent enjoying various team challenges, including the confidence course, climbing wall and cooperative games. Malcam Trust provided excellent support and they also ran a range of activities that developed students’ cooperative skills. Evenings were filled with ‘Camp Chic’ Fashion Parades, dance competitions and the creation of time capsules. The girls will be presented with their time capsules at the end of 2022! We look forward to their reactions when they read their thoughts and hopes as a Year 9 student.

The second day of camp was spent at Outram Glen, walking the Millenium Track up to Lee Stream. A range of challenges were posed along with way, with students rising to the occasion by problem solving and participating with enthusiasm.

The peer leaders who joined us on camp offered great support and encouragement to the Year 9 students. Their leadership skills were very impressive and they are fine role models to our junior students. My thanks go to our student leaders and the staff who accompanied us on camp.

We are very proud of how well the Year 9s have settled into school life; they are a dynamic part of our school community and their positivity is infectious.