In the first week of school the Year 9’s attended Year 9 orientation camp held at Gunns Bush, north of Waimate

The purpose of this camp was to welcome the incoming Year 9s as well as build new friendships and relationships with students and teachers. The 3 day camp consisted of team building and problem solving activities in their new form classes.

Day 1 started with a quick drive down to Gunns Bush. After a short welcome and housekeeping rules the students participated in a variety of activities for the rest of the day, ranging from shelter building to bridge making. After a delicious tea cooked by Miss Grant, the students were back into the activities again, this time they had to write, produce and direct a 5 min skit of their choice with some help from their peer support leaders.

Day 2 saw the temperature rise and humidity increase, which led to the shortening of the day's activity to walk up to Mt Studholme. Half way up to Mt Studholme the student split into 2 groups. The first group chose to head back down the same way they came up. The other group chose a more challenging route back, via muddy slip ways, steep descents and thick bush, which was enjoyed by all. After tea the Year 9’s performed their skits in the 2023 Year 9 variety skits show. Mr Callow was the judge and jury of the show and was quoted as saying” this is better than any reality tv show”. I’m not sure if Mr Callow watched many reality TV shows, based on his remarks. I guess I should also mention that Rata won the skits .

On the last day we packed up and headed down to Victoria park in Waimate to complete our final activity. Yet again the mercury started to rise to 30+ degrees. The increase in temperature started to impact on the already tired students so we made the call to head back to school early to get some respite from the heat. Overall the students had an action packed fun three days, and developed some new friendships.

I would like to say a big thanks to the student leaders that helped on the camp

Kelsey, Pippa, Brooke, Anastasia, Jodi, Sophie, Maddison, Frayah, Phoebe and Akira.

Also big thanks to the staff that helped me

Miss Edzes, Mr Callow, Miss Kerridge, Miss Grant, Miss Hales, Mr Lines, Mrs O’Connor , Mrs Harrison, Mr Dawson, Katrina from the hostel

Cheers 

Mr Collins

Year 9 Dean