Mud, Sweat and Fun

Last week I had the privilege of attending the Year 7 Outdoor Education Program at Camp Somerset. I say privilege because it is a rare thing to be amongst a cohort of students for such a concentrated amount of time and witness first hand some of their endearing qualities that ordinarily might be missed during the school day. Indeed, tapping into the personal resources to deal with the pouring rain whilst sleeping in tents is not something our young people would need to do at school. Similarly, too, working together as a team in the twilight to ensure a full stomach is the outcome from preparing a meal from scratch is not something that prior to this program they would have had done.

Likewise, the capacity to interact with one another in a calm, considered and purposeful manner, was called upon throughout the program. For many students this would have been the longest time that they have been away from the comforts of home. Incredibly they survived without the online world too! On any given day too, it was clear to see the Lutheran values being enacted by students. However, the real measure of success will be witnessing the skills and qualities they developed on program transferring back into the school environment. It is these moments I most looked forward to seeing this year.

The theme of ‘connections’ was strong throughout the program and I hope these continue to grow this year. We thank Ms Kim Wood for her leadership of this program and Mr Andrew Block, Mrs Leah Croke, Mr Alex O’Connor, Mrs Melissa Ousley, Pastor Tim Jarick and ancillary staff for their care of students.

On Tuesday we installed the newest cohort of House Leaders from Years 6 and 9. The ceremonial nature of this assembly is rightly so as it is important to recognise those students who will commit to a year of service to the College community in a range of domains. Importantly, all students in attendance were reminded of the nature of leadership at the College as the following words were read out, “Wear your badge as a symbol of your office and as a reminder that your role is one of service.” We congratulate and pray for these students as they undertake their leadership roles this year.

‘Together for a better internet’ was the theme for this year’s Safer Internet Day, endorsed by the eSafety commissioner. Whilst every day we should be acting with integrity when considering our choices online, it is an important first step to start the conversation in school and at home. I encourage all members of the College community to browse the resources available at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/safer-internet-day.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students