This past week has been a truly remarkable experience for me as I have accompanied our Year 12 class on their Sydney Trip. I am so grateful for the opportunity to connect with students and share in the incredible experiences that have been thoughtfully planned by Year 12 teachers Mrs Matthews and Miss Rowe.
From the moment we arrived in Sydney, each activity was uniquely designed to inspire. We visited iconic Bondi Beach, sailed yachts on Sydney Harbour, climbed the Harbour Bridge, explored the CBD on foot, played lawn bowls at Manly, visited Taronga Zoo, watched Joseph and the Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat, spent time at The Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains, and even went white-water rafting at the Penrith White Water Stadium!
Now, in the quietness of a coach full of tired young people regaining their energy for our stopover at Avondale University, I reflect on the importance of school camps and trips. Every part of our program is intentionally designed to mould and grow these young people into well-adjusted, successful citizens of this world and the next. From academic classes to sport programs, musicals, Weeks of Worship, and camps, we strive to provide our students with holistic experiences that nurture their personal development.
Mrs Matthews explained that these trips away from the normal structure of home and school are more than merely offering students an opportunity for bonding time: "These trips away are integral to student resilience. They’re intentionally designed to foster their interest in interacting and participating in the world around them and in their community."
I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our parents for their continued support and trust in our mission to educate and develop resilient young people with Christ-like characters. It is our hope that our students will continue to live lives of integrity, respect, and joy – and that they become strong leaders who can think critically and positively impact the world around them.
