Fun at Junior School Camps

Our Junior School girls kicked off the school year by getting to know their teachers and each other at their respective camps. For Years 3 and 5, the girls were delighted to make the most of our beautiful new outdoor education campus, Vision Valley!

Year 3 exploring and learning at Vision Valley

The girls delighted in their water play activities, learning about Bush Art and listening to Dreamtime stories on the Reflection Rock. The girls showed impressive maturity in the way they embraced each activity and supported one another throughout the program. The girls were beside themselves with excitement when they were given permission to have a go at sliding down the huge waterslide and to try archery.

Year 4 – being our best selves at Chowder Bay and Cockatoo Island

Chowder Bay was a water wonderland. Our morning began with snorkelling, followed by rafting and a swim. So many new challenges for our girls to ‘have a go at’. This area of the harbour is a picturesque backdrop, and the girls relished the opportunity to frolic in the gentle waves, followed by a play at the newly renovated playground. They enjoyed a fascinating talk by the Sydney Institute of Marine Science where they learned about the many creatures living in our waterways and how we can protect them.

With the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a magnificent backdrop, the girls thoroughly enjoyed exploring Cockatoo Island. They learned about its historic past and used clues to find out about the Island’s most famous convict, Captain Thunderbolt! The wind provided the perfect environment for the girls to make, decorate and fly their kites. Giggles and laughter could be heard as the girls watched their creatively designed kites dive and fly high above.

Year 5 – choosing to be kind and courageous at Vision Valley

Survivor Team challenges, initiatives, orienteering, bushwalking and time in the pool. It has been an action-packed program for Year 5 at Vision Valley. I am sure you could hear their shrieks of delight as they whizzed down the waterslide! Learning to set up their own camp and preparing and cooking their own dinner have been key learning moments for the girls. They should be very proud of themselves as each of them showed courage and confidence as she developed these life skills in the outdoors. Planning and then leading an activity for the girls in Year 3 has helped Year 5 begin to develop the leadership skills they will use in Year 6 and beyond.

Year 6 – having a go and learning new skills in the Illawarra

Year 6 made an early start as they headed down to the Illawarra. They travelled to Gerroa and Killalea. The girls are certainly having a go and challenging themselves trying new outdoor activities. Some groups have learned to surf, or almost! Others have walked the magnificent nine kilometres Coastal Trek from Chittick to East Beach. The girls are spending three nights away in three different areas on this picturesque coastline.