Jorja:

Tuesday 13th August, our year 11 PDHPE classes set out on a much-anticipated overnight hike to Pebbly beach. The journey turned into a humorous and memorable adventure, offering valuable lessons in preparation, endurance, and fun games. 

The day began with a two-hour bus trip to Kioloa, buzzing with excitement. Once we arrived, we strapped on our packs and started the hike, with Mr Higgins trusting us to lead the way. Just ten minutes in, the irresistible smell from Merry Beach shops drew us to an early break. We stocked up on lollies, ice creams, and even hot chips—decisions we soon regretted as our now heavier packs and full stomachs began to weigh us down. Despite this, the stunning coastline and clear beaches with the sun shining down, helped carry us through the tough components of the walk. Our confidence and high hopes at our own abilities was then ruined as we watched Blake and Noah push past and race ahead of everyone in an attempt to find their own way to camp in half the time it took everyone else. This soon turned into a competition with Daniel and Nic hot behind them. The impromptu race, along with questionable music choices from Denzel Atkinson, kept us entertained until we finally reached our camp at Pebbly Beach after a 20km trek. The day filled with slippery rocks, that Ellul became a victim too - taking his pride and ankle down with him, steep inclines and tides quickly coming in came to an end as we were greeted by kangaroos and a proud Blake, Noah, Nic and Daniel. Eagerly we set up our campsites and finally rested our tired backs.

Daniel: 

After a solid effort from Blake, Noah and myself accompanied by national runner Nic McGill, we arrived at the destination 30 minutes before anyone else came into sight. The boys and I kicked back on the beach making friends with a Kangaroo after Noah shared some of his snacks. Soon the tarps were set; some better than others we decided to head down for some beach fishing and touch footy. An early land of a crab gave Noah and Blake hopes of catching more whilst an injured Mr E carried his side over the line in a game of touch footy. A lack of knowledge on the Trangias saw Chloe and her group off to a slow start but everyone shared resources to make sure we were all being refuelled. After dinner, Will entertained the group with a variety of songs strummed on his guitar. The focus of the evening then transitioned to the current ‘Just give me my money’ trend which resulted in Noah’s pride taking a large hit, this was short-lived as Mr Muvceski became the next victim to the popular trend. After playing a few games, attention turned back to the fishing and the boys were desperate to get onto something bigger, after no luck, the last cast drew another crab. At this moment Noah’s eyes lit up with excitement as ways to plot his revenge come flooding through his mind. Now inspired, Noah had to keep the crab comfortable for the next three hours in an aquarium he made out of the camp sink. Until the  time arrived with the crab getting flung under the tarp to sleep with Ellul for the remainder of the night, unknowingly until the next morning.

Chloe:

Day 2 began with a not-so-dry pack-up. Unfortunately, it rained all night, causing a little flood of rivers all around. However, that didn’t stop us as we picked up our wet packs and set walking for a 20-minute walk up an insanely steep hill, filled with reminiscence and laughter of last night's campfire joy. However, that wasn’t even the best part. The next 4 kilometres would call for a handy stick and a strong flick to remove the eager and determined blood-sucking leeches. Shout out to the ones that got in my shoes, but with a bit of hand sanitiser, they were squirming off of us. This hour-long trail was full of adventure; from climbing high to avoid the sharp cutting leaves to abseiling down a muddy drop with a tree root into a rocky stream. But no, it didn’t end there. With Mr Higgins’ great enthusiasm, we kept trailing on, eventually reaching a fire trail where we would snack up and prepare ourselves for the home stretch. The next 3-4 km were filled with determination and a strong mindset to push through the body aches. After some marshmallow consumption and motivational music, we reached the highway, seeing the bus awaiting our collapse. As we reached the bus, the sigh of relief echoed through the group as we sat down, comparing our horrible blisters and pain. 

You may not think it, but all of it was worth it. I’d have to say something I took from this trip was the fact that I got to know myself, and many others, better. This hike allowed each and every one of us to push our limits and step out of our comfort zones, experiencing new and big things we never thought we would. This trip was one of a kind, and we couldn’t be more grateful to all who accompanied and supported us on the journey; Mr Higgins, Mr Ellul, Mrs Isemonger, Mr Bryce, and Mr Mufvcheski, and a special thank you to Mrs Frew and Mrs Fulop who awaited our arrival back to school with tim tams and hot choccies. Obviously, the trip would not have been the same without all the students, creating such bright memories. We can’t thank you all enough.

YEAR 11 SPORT, LIFE AND RECREATION

INTRODUCTION

Charlie Norman 

“Year 11 Sport Lifestyle and Recreation classes visit a local gym to put into practice the resistance training programs they have learnt to plan and create. These are personal programs designed by the students themselves related to a specific fitness goal and the aim to develop healthy lifelong training habits."

REFLECTIONS

Max Royals 

The fitness program I designed aimed to increase my upper body strength and size. I believe my program and gym visit effectively achieved this goal as well as being an overall enjoyable and insightful experience. 

Charlie Norman 

The fitness program I designed aimed to improve strength and balance in the ankle in AFL. My program has helped in my rehabilitation in returning to AFL and keeping it strong. For me the gym visits and goals have made it a great experience. 

Sophia Leavesley 

Going to the gym for SLR provided me with an opportunity to improve my personal fitness goal of improving muscular strength for my club soccer. During the gym visits, To make sure that I achieved my fitness goal, I completed a warm-up and cool-down of aerobic exercises after every workout. I completed a resistance training circuit, which included squats, lunges, leg presses, and more. To make sure that I achieved my fitness goal, I completed a warm-up and cool-down of aerobic exercises after every workout. 

Thomas Squires 

Going to the gym every fortnight for SLR has helped me improve my fitness goal of cardiovascular health. I warmed up every lesson by starting on the treadmill and then making my way to the weight room, where I performed an upper-body resistance training circuit. 

YEAR 10 BUSHCRAFT CAMPING EXPEDITION

The Year 10 Bushcraft students have been studying expedition planning. As part of this topic students completed a two night camping expedition to Batemans Bay to implement their planning & skills in a practical setting. The trip was a challenging one for students, undertaking difficult adventurous activities which provided excellent opportunities for growth.