Illalong Newsletter - 10 February 2023

Year 12 Leadership Camp

On Friday 3 February, the class of 2023 embarked on a Leadership retreat with the goal of better unifying the cohort. On the first day of the retreat, the cohort made their way to the RAW Challenge located in Numinbah Valley.

The Raw Challenge entailed students of all abilities working their way through muddy and difficult obstacles, ranging from murky water tunnels to vertical wood walls and everything in between. The first 30 students to reach a certain point on the course had the option of taking the longer 9-kilometre track instead of following the main 4-kilometre track. The 9 km track required runners to test their physical and mental capabilities, working their way through waist-deep mud and wading through murky waters. This left every participant exhausted, and after a nice Subway lunch, we were ready to hit the road to our next destination, Bornhoffen. This was our home away from home for the next two days, where we were given the privilege of excellent facilities and delicious meals. Upon arrival, everyone was keen to jump into bed, however, a few more surprises laid ahead. After our first amazing meal, we all gathered down on the outside basketball court. What most thought was an ordinary meeting became one of the most memorable moments of the camp, receiving our Senior Jerseys, making it hard to settle down for the stifling night that loomed ahead.

On Day 2, we were greeted in the morning by a filling breakfast preparing us for a jam-packed day of activities. No rest for the weary as we were through straight into Mr Nicol’s Survivor mock game. We were met with the imaginary uncrossable lava river with the goal of cooking our ‘Lavangna’. This activity tested everyone’s decision-making skills and allowed the normally silent to lead, bringing the team to victory. Following our physical game of survivor, we were placed in a polar environment, tasked with identifying things we were grateful for. After another wonderful meal we made our way down the hill to Mr Burke and Mr Brookes for a collection of activities. First of which required us to lower a tent pole down to the ground without removing our fingers from the pole, which provided its own set of challenges. To continue with the tent theme, we were then tasked to construct a tent blindfolded with the guidance of fellow students. This task aided in the realization of the strength that is possible when everyone shares a common mental image of the task at hand. Moving onto Mr Brookes’ activity, we had to use teamwork to move a marble from one end of the field to the other. We had to use creative thinking bend the rules to defeat the other teams while still abiding by the rules of the challenge, encouraging us to think outside the box. Following the activity, we were sent into the forest to play an intense game of camouflage. From our game of camouflage, we were sent to Mr Culverwell to continue developing trust in others and creative thinking to allow the large group to complete tasks. This task required students to listen closely to instructions and listen to everyone’s input. To conclude the day, we were allowed to have a campfire during the night, which was another surprise for most people due to the disappointing news the night before, being a total fire ban. The whole cohort, teachers included made their way down to the fire pit with a speaker and sang along to tunes deep into the night.

Day 3 was the final day of our camp, opening with an amazing game of Capture the Flag between Wright, Mackellar, Dennis, and Lawson. Following the game, students were given the opportunity to write some positive affirmations on each other’s backs to round the trip off.

All in all, this camp was not only fun but brought the cohort closer than ever before, breaking the wall between friend groups from the previous years. It also helped us understand the importance of leading unconditionally, understanding a common goal with your team members and how crucial it is to listen closely to all our ideas. It is definitely an experience we would all like to have again.

Joshua Lee | Year 12 Student

Year 8 Canberra Tour 2023

140 very excited students and 13 staff set off for Canberra on Sunday 29 January, keenly anticipating the huge array of activities that awaited us with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

Our first stop was Circular Quay where we boarded our boat for a cruise around Sydney Harbour enjoying the wonderful views of all the key sites including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, before setting off on the buses to Canberra. Over the next three days students were able to get a better understanding of how our democratic system works with visits to the Australian Parliament, Old Parliament House and the Electoral Commission, which involved role plays mirroring the debating and passing of a bill as well as tours of the buildings.

Whilst visiting the Governor General’s residence students learnt about the role of the Governor General covering the 4 ‘Cs’ – constitutional, commonwealth, community and commander in chief. Our visit to the mint provided insight into the history of coin production in Australia and we were able to see how coins are minted and designed. Many students took the opportunity to mint their own coin. At the National Museum of Australia students enjoyed learning about Australia’s early history with a stop at the ‘big bucket’, part of our mining history.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Australian War Memorial where we learnt about Australia’s role in conflicts around the world. One group was able to take part in the Last Post ceremony and students, Phoebe Corin and Archie Zirbel laid a wreath on behalf of the College acknowledging the service of our Armed Forces over the years.

For those with an interest in sport the A.I.S. visit was much anticipated, and many enjoyed seeing the world class training facilities on offer and taking part in the activities there. For those with more of an interest in science the visit to the C.S.I.R.O. provided a fascinating insight into the world of scientific investigation. Everyone enjoyed the visit to Questacon with the huge variety of hands-on activities to experience. Our two evening visits to the cinema and IPlay were a great success and over the week many friendships were formed and strengthened.

On Thursday, we made our return to the College, with everyone agreeing it had been a fantastic week.

The students should be very proud of the way they conducted themselves while away – they were a credit to their families and the College.

I would also like to thank all the staff who accompanied us on the trip and made it such a success.

This is what some of the students had to say about the trip:

We had an early start at around 4 am on Sunday morning, and we had to be at school at 4:45 to find out our groups for the next 5 days. I was a little anxious, but it became exciting once my dad had dropped me off and surrounded me with friends. The next couple hours were travel until we got to Sydney for our harbour cruise and lunch, after that we had a big 4-hour drive to Canberra. The drive was long but loud as everyone was getting hyped up to see what we were staying in for the next 4 nights and who we would be with. Dinner that night was butter chicken as everyone talked about their day! – Amelia Watson

On the third day, the last day before we departed for Sydney, our group visited the Royal Australian Mint. In the enormous building of the Mint, we were introduced to the history of Australian coins, at which we laughed about the lack of creativity William Henshall put into the naming of Australia’s first coins: The Holey Dollar and the Dump. Our tour guide led us through a detailed and fascinating explanation of the history, then we went on to observe the huge factory where all of Australia’s coins are made. It was amazing to see the process of minting coins, and some of us definitely had too much fun in the gift shop, where we could mint our very own coins. After a morning of exploring the Australian Mint and discovering sports machines at the AIS, we headed off to the CSIRO, where we were educated about many scientific inventions, and amongst those, the bees in backpacks project. From the million-dollar paintings at Government House to mind-reading robots at Questacon, we definitely had the experience of a lifetime on our trip to Canberra. – Mimi Shen

On day 4, we started our day at the Royal Australian Mint. There, we learned about the history of Australian Currency, which believe it or not first started out as rum. From there, we ventured to the factories of the Mint, where we were taught and shown the process of making coins, and where we were introduced to the 3 famous coin-producing robots, Titan, Penny and Robbie. After our adventures at the Mint, and an insane amount of money spent at the gift shop, we headed to Government House. Though we didn't have the privilege of meeting the Governor General, David Hurley himself, as other year groups have, we were still able to learn all about the Governor General and his role. Additionally, we got to tour both the inside and the immaculate outside of the 132-year-old mansion that has housed almost 20 Australian Governor Generals. Following Government House, we got to spend the early afternoon visiting the AIS, the Australian Institute of Sport. At the AIS, we got to play a series of interactive arcade games that allowed us to trial a wide range of different sports, from skiing, to rowing, to the skeleton. It was a very exciting visit. Our final stop of the day was the AWM, the Australian War Memorial. Throughout our adventures in Canberra, we visited multiple places that were rich with Australian History, but the Australian War Memorial proved the most memorable. To start our tour, we were taken through the multiple exhibitions the memorial has on display, ranging from World War I to the present day. We were shown and told multiple things that really made us reflect on the horrors of war, such as the unfathomable amount of names on the Role of Honour, the brave tales of Elizabeth (Pearl) Corkhill, a World War I nurse, and the story of the HMS Sydney. We were also shown the tomb of the Unknown Solider, the burial chamber dedicated to an unnamed soldier who died in World War I and who represents all those who have fallen at war. At the end of our visit, bus 3 had the privilege of participating in and attending the Australian War Memorial's daily Last Post Ceremony. Each day, the Australian War Memorial dedicates the ceremony to a deceased war veteran. On our visit, we had the honour of remembering Private Roylance Eric Adamson, who fought and died in World War 2. – Rose D’Alisa

On my 4th day, we visited a place called Questacon. Essentially, it was an institution dedicated to displaying Science & Technology through exploration and interaction. First, we visited the Gift Shop, which sold many weird and wonderful things, such as Levitating Dumbbells, Metallic Lava Lamps, and Berries that changed your taste buds. After we spent to our heart’s content, we left our things and proceeded into the 8 different galleries. Responding Robots, Earthquake Simulators, four-way Air Hockey Tables and Flying Paper Cups were just some of the many wonders we saw in the galleries. However, among our cohort, there was no debate about the best part. The 8th and final gallery had a sight to behold that everyone had been waiting for. Up against the back wall, stood a 7-meter-high slide. We all rushed over, pulled the orange or black jumpsuits on, and waited in line until it was finally time to climb the stairs up to the top. We all took turns sitting on the edge, reaching forward to grab onto the bar, and slowly lowering ourselves until we hung directly over the slide. We waited for the “3, 2, 1, GO!”, before letting go and sliding down. Nobody denied it was the best part of Questacon. – Caitlyn Howe

After the walk down Anzac Parade the previous day, I was eager to learn more about these events commemorated at the Australian War Memorial. We walked through many exhibits that displayed the stories about previous conflict all over the world, these galleries housed the Japanese bomber jets almost identical to the planes that committed the 1942 Darwin bombing, one of the boats that the ANZACS used to land at Gallipoli as well as the honour roll, a series of bronze panels recording all members of the Australian forces who have died during service. I was also lucky enough to participate in the wreath laying ceremony, Archer and I were given the opportunity to lay a wreath in front of the pool of reflection, commemorating all Australians who have died in service to the nation. – Phoebe Corin

I really enjoyed the experience of seeing new things and going out of my comfort zone. I especially enjoyed Parliament House because I may want to follow a path similar to that in the future. I felt I was able to connect with new members of my cohort and dare I say enjoyed not being on my phone all day. Thanks for a great camp. – Imogen Peak

On the social side, Canberra brought me so much closer to those peers that I knew but had not spent a lot of time with and I really enjoyed getting to know them. However, probably my favourite part about it was being able to see all the things that we are learning about in HaSS. Not only that but we also gained a depth of understanding of history, civics and the Australian legal system that you couldn’t get in the classroom. I can’t actually pick a favourite spot on the tour, but new Parliament House was architecturally incredible. As well as all the delights of Canberra, we also went on a magnificent cruise around Sydney Harbour. – Grace Parma

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Alison Ward | Head of Lawson House

Safer Internet Day

On Tuesday 7 February we had Safer Internet Day. As the official committee in Australia and a leader in the global effort, eSafety celebrates the day as one of the most important events of the year and this being the 20^th year. This is supported by the Australian Government through the eSafety Commissioner. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about the role we can all play in creating a better internet and how to utilise it in a safe manner.

Safer Internet Day is a way of dealing with internet safety and is something parents, young people and the entire community need to commit to if we are to promote the positive use of technology in our communities. The internet can be an amazing resource! Used wisely, it can open up a world of information, connectedness and learning, but… with these benefits come serious and real dangers such as exposure to inappropriate content, cyber-bullying, and the anxiety that can arise from constantly being connected.

Throughout this week the whole College has been engaged with a variety of age-appropriate activities to raise awareness of how to use and navigate the internet in a safe manner. We will also encounter ways in which students can identify dangers and what their rights and responsibilities are. Students have been encouraged to report suspicious or inappropriate behaviours and who they are able to speak to about this.

As a College, we have a Cybersafety Committee which is comprised of a dedicated group of teachers from across the College. Throughout 2022 we worked on continuing to align practices across the College and also received feedback from staff, students and parents through targeted surveys. This feedback has led to several initiatives including a whole College focus on cybersafety lessons being incorporated into both the Junior School and Senior School SELF (Social Emotional Learning Fundamentals) programs and being embedded in the curriculum.

We also had the Parent-Teacher Social Evenings on Tuesday 7 February for Senior School parents and on Wednesday 8 February for Junior School parents. At both evenings we had Shane Mallory presenting developmentally appropriate information sessions. Shane has over 26 years of policing experience and is a highly skilled communicator and presenter. Throughout the evenings, Shane explored digital compliance and internet safety and how essential and important your role as a parent is in relation to your child using social networking sites, chat functions and cybersafety. With the goal of ultimately providing time effective and achievable strategies that you can action as parents to protect your child in the digital world.

This is the first year we have had Shane present at the College and we are excited to learn from his experience and develop a deeper understanding of how we can best support our children; to empower them to become safe online adventurers and resilient young people ready to face any challenge.

Therefore, across the College our focus is not only on the specific ‘Safer Internet Day’ but ensuring we have aligned, contemporary practices across the College which cater for our student needs and offer opportunities for parents to be informed of how they can also help.

As a college community, we need to continue to work together to make every day a Safer Internet Day! That's why Safer Internet Day is calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect.

Click here to find simple ways you can Connect. Reflect. Protect.

Simon Edgar | Head of Junior School