Moonbah
High Country Helpers
High Country Helpers is a learning program where students have been actively engaging in projects across our High Country Campus and the broader Jindabyne community. Some groups have designed, planned and pitched a business case for vegetable beds and a greenhouse on campus – an ongoing initiative. Ms Chipper, Redlands Sustainability Manager, had a video meeting with the group to provide her expert feedback and guidance. Gunuma have dedicated time to walking and cleaning up the lakeside where they collected a trolley full of rubbish (including the trolley!) while Miribi lent a hand at the local Op Shop.
Every Friday, Malub students spend three hours maintaining Kunama Gallery’s grounds under the guidance of its owner, 95-year-old Nanna Nolene. A former student of the original Cremorne Girls High School (now home to Redlands House) and a respected Jindabyne community member, Nolene has had a diverse career in education, agriculture and the arts. She was married to the late Alan Grosvenor, an artist known for his stunning Snowy Mountains paintings, displayed throughout the gallery.
Kunama Gallery honors Alan’s legacy and Jindabyne’s history, with Nolene sharing her wisdom and life experiences with students over morning tea. Their tasks include weeding, gardening, raking woodchip, greenhouse repairs and relocating plants. The program strengthens their community connection, leaving them enriched and proud. The day ends with lunch by Lake Jindabyne’s foreshore.
The Outdoor Education program during weekdays allows students to reflect on their outdoor experiences and develop skills in preparation for weekend activities. The weekend hike to Sawpit Creek Waterfall in Kosciuszko National Park focused on leadership, exploring different leadership styles, and the importance of layering clothing for protection and comfort in outdoor environments. During mountain biking, some students showcased their existing skills, while others stepped out of their comfort zones, built foundational biking skills and strengthened their resilience. The warm weather added an extra challenge, further fostering personal growth and perseverance.
Reflection from Mrs Harrisson
As the Learning Coordinator of this experiential learning program, I have had the privilege of watching students extend their understanding of learning beyond the traditional classroom education. The students are immersing in this interdisciplinary approach with hands-on experiences, which is fostering a sense of curiosity about the world around them.
It was truly rewarding to see students explore the local environment and apply mathematical and scientific principles to real-world environmental challenges, and to look towards designing sustainable solutions that could positively impact this community. Their engagement in hands-on activities, such as using technologies to test water quality, wildlife monitoring, measuring and recording data, drawing scale diagrams and designing building projects is reinforcing analytical thinking and innovation. Additionally, working in an ever-changing outdoor setting pushes students to adapt, think creatively and collaborate effectively – a crucial skill set for any aspiring scientist or engineer. Last week when Ms Wunder (Acting Dean of Studies and Maths Teacher) joined us class she reported ‘it is so good to see so much challenging Maths happening in what the students are doing.’
Eddy Atkins
Head of High Country Campus
eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au