Moonbah
Reflecting on Moonbah #1: A Monumental First Chapter
As we close the chapter on Moonbah 1, it’s impossible not to pause and reflect on the extraordinary journey we’ve shared – one that has not only shaped the individuals within it but also left an indelible mark on the School itself.
Moonbah was born from vision and hope – a belief that by stepping outside the conventional classroom, we could forge something deeper: connection, resilience and growth grounded in nature, community and trust. Moonbah 1 embodied that belief.
They were our pioneers – brave, bold and brilliantly themselves.
They leaned into the unknown, embraced discomfort and allowed themselves to be seen – truly seen – by their peers and High Country staff. That alone is no small thing.
This cohort taught us that when young people are given space, trust and purpose, they will rise. They built something together that can’t be measured on a report card: a culture of care, of accountability, of joy. They laughed hard, worked hard and weathered the storms – literal and metaphorical – with grace and grit.
What Moonbah 1 achieved will echo long after their departure. They’ve laid foundations for what’s now possible. They’ve challenged us to rethink what matters in education, and they’ve gifted us a working model of what it looks like when learning is human-centred, heart-led and rooted in place.
To each student in Moonbah 1: thank you. You’ve given us more than we ever imagined.
You’ve set the bar not just in what you’ve achieved, but in how you’ve shown up for each other and for yourselves. You’ve been part of something rare, and in doing so, you’ve made it possible for others to follow.
Moonbah will continue to evolve, but there will only ever be one first cohort. And what a remarkable one it was.
Thredbo Day
After Monday’s postponement due to cold, wet and windy weather, Friday delivered perfect conditions. Students deepened their understanding of the Thredbo landslide and its widespread impact by completing the Memorial Walk, where they observed the affected area from a distance and paused for reflection at the memorial site. A relaxing riverside break followed, filled with games and lunch. Then, with plenty of excitement (teachers included!), we rode the Alpine Coaster – experiencing both the thrill and seeing STEM concepts come to life against the backdrop of the stunning landscape.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Preparation and Planning overnight camping trip was a great success, with 47 enthusiastic students taking part in an engaging and rewarding experience. Held on campus, the overnight stay provided an ideal environment for students to build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the program requirements and bond as a group in a supportive setting.
Students were split into boys’ and girls’ groups for the two nights of camping, allowing each group to take ownership of their space and responsibilities. Throughout the evening and morning, students did a fantastic job managing key aspects of the camp experience – including setting up tents, cooking meals and cleaning up after themselves. Their teamwork, initiative and attention to detail were impressive, reflecting a strong sense of independence and cooperation.
The experience offered a valuable opportunity for students to put theory into practice and gain confidence in their planning and execution ahead of their Adventurous Journey in Term 4. The overnight camp also helped them understand the importance of preparation, communication and resilience. Overall, the event ran smoothly, and the students left feeling accomplished, better connected with their peers, and more ready for the challenges ahead in their Duke of Ed journey.
Celebrating Student Learning in Our Final Week
In our final week at Moonbah, the students’ learning was proudly on display. On Tuesday, each elective group showcased the outcomes of their term’s work: we listened to original compositions from Sounds of Moonbah, sampled delicious creations from Plate of Origin, explored regenerative farming practices used by the Jindabyne community – including farm-fresh eggs and Conscious Crops – watched short films from Bush to Big Screen, and admired the artwork exhibited by Walk the Line in a thoughtfully curated gallery space.
This cohort has also laid the foundations for the long-term environmental study of the High Country Campus. Over the term, they visited seven diverse sites – such as the Summit, Dam, Boundary Creek and the Gully – where they collected meteorological data, recorded observations of flora and fauna and gathered soil and water samples for analysis back in the lab. On Thursday, they presented their findings, acknowledging the early-stage nature of their data but recognising their role in establishing a valuable dataset for future Moonbah students to expand upon.
In the Visionary Ventures elective, students used the design thinking process to investigate local issues and consider ways to make a meaningful impact. Some students focused on the heartbreaking issue of roadkill, learning about its effect on local wildlife – particularly wombats – and even crafting knitted pouches to support carers rehabilitating orphaned joeys. Even closer to home, the problem of soundproofing the music rooms was identified and solutions presented.
Our STEM students showcased their creativity and technical skills by designing and constructing a model ski lift, demonstrating their understanding of engineering and problem-solving in action.
Throughout the term, students have reflected deeply on their learning and personal growth. They are now considering how these experiences – whether personal, creative or service-oriented – can inform the way they engage with school, home and the wider community, upon returning to Sydney.
100 reasons why we love Moonbah, by Maddie Bryan and Lauren Rolfe
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One reason I don’t like Moonbah:
- It comes to an end…
Final Morning Hike to the Top of Redlands Hill.
Eddy Atkins
Head of High Country Campus
eatkins@redlands.nsw.edu.au