Moonbah

Moonbah continues to provide an enriching and transformative experience for our Year 9 students, fostering growth in both personal and learning domains.

A highlight of the recent Outdoor Education program was the canoeing expedition on Lake Jindabyne, where students built confidence and resilience while navigating the lake. This adventure was complemented by a challenging but enjoyable bushwalk to Porcupine Rocks near Perisher, offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. These outdoor experiences have encouraged students to embrace teamwork, perseverance, and an appreciation for the natural environment, reinforcing key life skills beyond the classroom.

The social aspect of Moonbah has also been thriving, with students fully engaging in communal activities that strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Student-led initiatives have provided opportunities for leadership and collaboration, allowing individuals to take ownership of their experience at Moonbah. Students have set-up Fancy-Dress on Friday nights, showcasing creativity, laughter, and a positive atmosphere, which they plan to continue on a weekly basis. Zoe M and Lily VH hosted the first event with the theme ‘What the fish are you wearing!” leading to all staff and students coming to dinner in crazy outfits to kick start a fun night. Best dressed awards went to: Hamish, Gulia, Maia, Matteo SD, Lily M and Jack. Students played guess the song, guess the album and blind karaoke. From all reports it was a hit. Freya and Deaana will be hosting this weeks ‘PJ Friday fest’.  Students are fostering a supportive and inclusive community where everyone feels valued.

In the afternoons at Moonbah, students engage in a variety of cocurricular activities or enjoy free time. Music students connect with their tutors or practice in dedicated music rooms. Lucas reports ‘I enjoy practising in a dedicated room. I like that there is a drum kit and a piano in the rooms.’  Many students take to the basketball/netball court or the oval for ball sports, while others use the time to read, relax on the balconies, or catch up on washing and personal organisation. Jack reflected that ‘the oval is a great place to have fun, whether it is playing football, AFL, cricket, volleyball or something else, it’s always the best spot to be.’ Dancers rehearse on the dance floor, while some students take advantage of the math revision sessions and others hold team meetings to prepare for competitions like OzCLO or Da Vinci.

For the 30 students undertaking their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, Moonbah offers a unique and structured environment to meet their goals across skill development, physical activity and community service. Within the campus and local community, students have engaged in activities such as fitness training, cooking, music and volunteering initiatives. Their commitment to these pursuits is fostering independence, responsibility and a strong sense of achievement. The opportunity to work toward an internationally recognised award, while immersed in the Moonbah experience, is further enhancing their personal growth and leadership skills.

As part of the learning program, students select elective subjects, allowing them to explore hands-on experiences in areas that interest them.

Georgia is loving her visual arts elective, Walk the Line:
“It’s definitely the most engaging and interesting class at Moonbah. The best part is the freedom to choose what you want to create, reinforcing the motto of shaping your own learning adventure. So far, we’ve experimented with jelly printing, scratch paper and using hatching and cross-hatching techniques to sketch the nature around us. It’s a great way to express our creative side.”

Otis enjoys Sounds of Moonbah:
“Mr Davis is a great teacher—I think he should teach music at school too! The class is fun and creative, and even non-musical people can join because it includes music technology as well.”

Aimee is part of Bush to Big Screen, which she finds particularly valuable:
“Even if you make films back in Cremorne, the environment here is completely different. Imagining a story in this landscape is a whole new experience. In class, we’re encouraged to select a ‘muse’ as inspiration for our films, and I think everyone would agree that the stunning backdrop of the High Country Campus offers an exciting and flexible opportunity for creative storytelling.”

NAPLAN at HCC

Students at Moonbah will sit their Year 9 NAPLAN assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language and numeracy next Wednesday and Thursday morning. Our recent NAPLAN testing was a great success, with our infrastructure efficiently supporting the simultaneous access of all students completing the assessment.

Eddy Atkins
Head of High Country Campus
eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au