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autumn 2016
Crossing New Horizons
The New Horizons programme focuses on a progression
of experiences outside the classroom, which encourages
personal growth to help embrace the challenges of our
dynamic modern society. Adventure and challenge allow
the individual to develop a greater understanding of
their strength and character: the importance of being a
positive, active member of a community with a practical
understanding of the natural world. The Junior School
camps give the girls the opportunity to develop a sense
of belonging and there is a focus on connecting with the
natural world. Year 3 girls catch Puffing Billy to Wombat
Corner in Emerald - a fantastic way to start a camp!
Year 4 girls travel to a camp at Anglesea, where there is
emphasis on team building and developing confidence.
At Sovereign Hill Year 5 girls explore the natural world
through hands on activities and study the history of the
Australian gold rush, while wearing period dress. Year 6
girls tour Canberra, consolidating knowledge acquired in
the classroom and helping it to come alive. In Senior
School, from Year 7 camp through to the opportunity to
display leadership in Year 11 and Year 12, each experience
is designed to allow the girls to consolidate their skills
and knowledge.
In Year 8 there are two expeditions, one in Term 1 to
build on the Year 7 camp experience and one in Term 4,
to develop specific outdoors skills in preparation for the
Year 9 camp. Entitled the Summit Programme, this is an
important personal development initiative, culminating
in a major expedition at the end of Year 9 for all girls. By
Year 10 the girls are able to select from a range of
experiences, specifically an expedition to Central
Australia, a rafting trip and an exchange to a school
overseas (locations now include schools in the UK,
France, Canada, the USA, New Zealand and China). By
Year 11 and 12 the girls work together to create positive,
inclusive communities and foster leadership.
The Snowy River rafting trip – a true
adventure
A group of Year 10 girls, a bunch of river guides, Mr
Saunder and Ms Gratch shared an adventure on the
Snowy River in Term 4. The trip started in New South
Wales and finished in East Gippsland. A total distance of
123 kilometres of the river was rafted, a little over 100
major rapids negotiated (in fine rafting style) all taking
a total of 10 days.
The rapids provided the high-end adventure of the trip.
Many of the bigger ones had names, such as George’s
Mistake and the Washing Machine! Over the first few
days on the river we all learnt how the water moves as it
is forced down between the rocks and drops. We also
learnt what to do with our paddles and raft to avoid
swims and flips. Most of this came down to teamwork:
picking the right ‘line’ down is a skill, and one that was
developed by all.
The trip also offered other opportunities. The section of
river rafted is remote, with little access. It is wilderness.
There was no phone coverage, no Wi-Fi, no regular
plumbing, no electricity. In many ways life on the river
was a lot simpler: it was good to disconnect from the
modern digital world for a while and enjoy the ‘here and
now’ of the trip.
Everything for 22 people to live and travel on the river
needed to be organised and carried on the rafts. Food,
tents, tarps, cooking gear, personal gear, repair kits, dry
bags, wetsuits, Personal Flotation Devices, helmets …
there was no room for excess luggage! This is a unique
way to live and offers many challenges. It only works
when everyone pitches in.
The highlight of this trip for me was the way in which
the girls embraced all the challenges and were able to
enjoy and appreciate the experience. For 10 days we saw
no other people. We were independent and able to rely
on each other. It was a real and memorable adventure.
Mr Darren Saunder,
Director of Outdoor Education
An Extraordinary Experience
The Snowy River Rafting Trip was an unforgettable experience, from learning how
to work as a team, to setting up tents and tarps to sleep under, and mastering the
skills of rafting under the direction of five amazing raft guides and an incredible
teacher. With a group of only 17 girls, we got to know each other really well and
became firm friends. This camp was an amazing adventure. Despite being hard
work, we were well-rewarded, with amazing views and scenery, incredible wildlife
and afternoons off, where we had lots of time to relax and reflect on our exciting
time on the river each day. This camp taught me a lot about responsibility. Nothing
got done unless we did it ourselves. We made every meal, set up the campsite and
packed and unpacked all of the gear onto and off the rafts each morning and
afternoon. This camp surpassed all my expectations. It was a special experience I
had the privilege of sharing with an amazing group of people, with whom I
became close. The Snowy River Rafting Trip is not like an ordinary school camp: it
is an extraordinary one! An experience not to be missed.
Nikita De Bortoli,
Year 10 2015