Year 7 had an eventful start to the school year as they navigated new classrooms, subjects, teachers and peers. Arguably one of the most exhilarating experiences was heading off to camp together after only three days of high school! Camp was an experience that will no doubt be the highlight of their first year of high school.

On Monday the 6th of February, our students ventured to ‘The Great Aussie Bush Camp’ at Tea Gardens, for a three day adventure. They were provided with the perfect setting to venture out of their comfort zones and make new friends with peers and staff. Students participated in a range of team building activities including; abseiling, raft building, archery, fencing, high ropes, giant swing, crate climb, initiatives, and orienteering. The perennial favourite was spending the morning at the beautiful Hawks Nest beach, surrounded by the serenity of God’s finest creation. Students also engaged in a variety of games at night such as trivia/competitive games, and the disco which, if the squeals of delight were anything to go by, were also a highlight.

The focus of the camp was for the students to develop new friendships and a sense of connection, build on their skills of resilience, and overcome new and challenging experiences. The camp activities assisted in developing these skills as our students were able to overcome some of their fears including fear of heights, being away from the comforts of home, and making new friends.

The benefit of myself not being in an allocated group was that I had the chance to walk around and observe our students completing a variety of activities and seeing them support their peers in situations which are not presented to them at school. I was extremely proud to see our students show respect and kindness towards their peers and teachers. Seeing their happy faces, laughter, and cheers of encouragement made me realise that this group already embodied our college core values of love of neighbour.

It was a great opportunity for Year 7 to get to know their peers with many commenting that they made new friends over these three days and that it was a good opportunity to meet students from other schools. Not to mention the insightful conversation our staff had with our students in a more relaxed environment that also saw our teachers facing their fear of heights.

On behalf of Year 7, we would like to thank the following teachers who attended the camp; Mr Bulfon, Mr O’Donnell, Mr Arcuri, Mrs Brown, Ms Mora, Ms Wojcik, Mrs Gotty-Lees, and

Mrs Franks. Teachers leave their families, children, partners, pets, and the many classes back at school, to ensure the students are well looked after and are provided a memorable experience. These teachers gave generously of their time and without their support, the camp would not have been the success that it was.

I am extremely proud of our students as for most of them it was their first time away from home and or on school camp. I was also happy to see new found friendships blossoming and seeing our Year group coming closer together which is the true essence of a school camp.

Please view the amazing images we captured over the week as well as some thoughts from our Year 7 students.

Kind regards,

Mrs Grace Settineri

Year 7 Coordinator

• Tuesday 21 February - Shrove Tuesday
• Tuesday 21 February - Caritas Launch
• Wednesday 22 February - Ash Wednesday
• Wednesday 22 February - Year 7 & 8 High Performance Evening Sessions at 6.00pm
• Friday 24 February - Year 9 PASS Excursion to Treetop Adventures
• Monday 27 February - Swimming Carnival Competitors Only
• Monday 27 February - Year 11 & 12 Music excursion to Sydney Opera House
• Tuesday 28 February - P & F AGM
• Wednesday 1 March - College Open Day for Year 7, 2024
• Thursday 2 March - Cross Country

P & F Uniform Pool order form - click here

The P & F preloved Uniform Pool has reopened, please complete the order form and send to the P & F by email at: uniforms@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au Our wonderful P&F volunteer Tracey will contact you.

Items can be paid for and collected from the SBCC College Office. We do not return, exchange or refund on 2nd hand clothing as these are donated by families.

Donations of items in good condition can be left at the College Office.